Lets reflect inwardly and rediscover the true meaning of Christmas

24
Dec

It is that time of the year again and everyone is fully engaged in the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations. In Kenya, Christmas is the time to travel upcountry to reunite with family to feast, and make merry. In the cities, it is a time that we see beautiful decorations and heavy traffic towards public parks for family days out. However, is that all there is to Christmas?

Many sources define Christmas as an annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The day is a widely observed holiday celebrated by many on the 25th of December. However, the holiday has been traditionally considered a Christian affair but an increasing number of non-Christians have also embraced the global festive season.

The Christmas holiday has lost its true meaning in most parts of the world. Modern cultures have avoided the Christian perspective attached to the day and fail to take it as an opportunity to self-examine and portray a benevolent attitude towards the more needy in society.

The spirit of benevolence has been the hallmark of the Christmas day celebration in the village where I grew up. Even though people did not exchange gifts, every home prepared their best dishes and shared them among villagers. It was the only time even the most deprived in society got a chance to smile and feel loved.

But what does the Bible say about Christmas? According to the scriptures, the importance of Jesus Christ’s birth was explained by angelic messengers to Joseph, the betrothed of Mary. They said, “Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). The news was of a boy who could save people from their sins and bring joy to the world.

Primarily, Christmas sends a message of joy. The biblical perspective of Christmas confronts us with the claim that human beings are inherently sinful.  Humans are in a state of sin in which they evidently cannot save themselves and thus the need for a savior “Jesus Christ.” The birth of Jesus symbolizes god’s love that made him willing to come and live among us. Therefore, we should view Christmas celebrations each year as a chance to renew our minds and spirits.

Whichever way one decides to celebrate, it is important to do it in honor of the lord. Romans 14:5-6 says, “One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honour of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honour of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honour of the Lord and gives thanks to God”.

In my recollection of past experiences, any form of celebration should be in moderation. Since Christmas symbolizes the day human beings were cleansed of all sin, it is not time to sin even more.

Christmas is the time to give up our selfish desires and think of others in ways that would bring the greatest happiness to all.

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