Christmas is the
celebration of the nativity (birth) of Christ, with the 25th day of
December set aside for its commemoration by Christians around the world. Behind
the august celebration lies controversy among Christians as to the actuality of
the day and the very essence of its observation.
The act of commemoration and
observation of days such as independence, ceremonies, festivals et cetera is
not alien to human societies. In such days, history is visited and
retold to posterity which helps in the transfer and preservation of values,
norms, ideas, cultures, events, etcetera. To have such peculiar to the
Christian faith calls for sincere acknowledgment of its relevance and
significance rather than throwing caution into the air in attempt to displace such an introspective and benevolent
day in the history of mankind.
Since
the disobedience of the first couple (Adam and Eve) in the beautiful Garden of
Eden, Human generations have wrestled greatly with three distinct enemies
(Satan, Sin, and Death) that have threatened not only the civility of men but
also their existence and relationship with the Creator (God). Man became subverted, as evil,
ignorance, violence, hypocrisy, greed, debauchery, profanity ,idolatory, et
cetera reigned among men, making them enemies of God.
In the infinite-ness of God’s
sovereignty, man was to be rescued but a great price was required for his
redemption and reconciliation to God.
God
sent His only begotten son and He accomplished the mission to rescue man
through His (Christ’s) incarnation, redemption, and adoption of man.
The incarnation (birth) of Jesus
demonstrated love (Agape), humility, and absolute purity. As God was made
flesh, born by the virgin Mary with no trace of earthly paternity. He descended from the Highest and Holiest
of Heaven, dwelling among pervert and wretched men with no iniquity found in
Him, despite the temptations, mockeries, force accusations, sufferings etc He
faced while on earth. He went about loving, providing,
healing, exonerating, preaching and teaching the word of God. He gave His life for mankind, took the
shame, bore the pain, defeated Satan, sin and death, thereby bridging the gap
between Humanity and Divinity. Satan, the father of sin was defeated
for men where forgiven of their sins as Christ’s blood which was shed on the
cross atoned for his transgressions and freed men from the guilt and hold of
sin. Death which is the wages of sin and
the end to human existence became a gateway to the glorious paradise through
Christ’s resurrection from the dead. A blessed paradox it was.
The
celebration of Christmas is a reflection of the divine love of God demonstrated
in the self-abnegated and sacrificial life of Christ which brings to light the
unfading hope of eternity in paradise.
It marks the end to struggles of man
to please God as the reign of Christ in the heart of men propels Godly living
without coercion or manifestation of works.
The Birth of Christ commemorates the dawn of grace as God’s love is shed in the hearts of men, who love others because they were first loved. Christ exemplified the life of God and became the way, for there is no other way to the father except through Him (Christ). The relevance of Christmas is rooted in our sincere acknowledgement and surrender of all ours to the reign of Christ, while He prospers His will and interest making us disciples and partakers of the glorious kingdom of God.
© VICTORIA OLABISI