By Uzoma Uzoeshi
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem, the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in clothes and placed him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.
And shepherds were living out in the fields nearby, watching their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said. However, Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
Beloved of God, it is another expectant and remarkable season of the year. A time of memorial celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. December, in particular, comes with it all the joys of Christmas. Nevertheless, the big question remains, what is the real meaning of Christmas? Do people celebrate Christmas meaningfully?
Is Christmas only a season for a show of welfare to the less privileged or for gift-sharing with beloved ones? Today, celebration of Christmas is seen as a season to kill animals for food with family and friends and other festive engagements and shouts of “Merry Christmas.”
For many people, Christmas is a time of sorrow. They do not have the extra money to buy presents for their children, family, and friends. Many are saddened at Christmas when they think of their loved ones who cannot come home for various reasons.
What then is Christmas?
The word CHRISTMAS is the combination of two words: Christ and Mass. Before Christ was born, many years ago, 25th December used to be PAGAN’S day for SACRIFICES. Later in the year 533 AD Constantine, the head of the then Roman Church which is today the Roman Catholic, changed the day from pagan’s day of sacrifices to Jesus Christ’s birth commemoration. He called the day THE MASS FOR CHRIST, i.e. CHRISTMAS.
CHRIST in Hebrew means, The Anointed One or The Chosen One or The Messiah.
MAS in Greek means a Big Gathering of People. Therefore CHRISTMAS means the Gathering of People of Christ, (His Followers/Disciples). It is believed that after the day of the gathering of Christ’s Followers (CHRISTMAS), became famous and respected worldwide.
You see, Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to be born. His birth brought great joy to the world. Shepherds, wise men, and angels all shared the excitement of knowing about this great event. They knew this was no ordinary baby.
The prophets had told of His coming hundreds of years before. The star stopped over Bethlehem to mark the way for those looking for this unique child.
Christmas is a time to celebrate the reason for His birth. Why did He come? Jesus brought salvation to all of us. Without Jesus, we would all die in our sins.
Jesus was born, so one day, the price could be paid for the wrong things we have done. The Bible says that all have sinned. We are all born with a sinful nature. We do things that do not please God. Through the sins of Adam and Eve, we have all inherited that sinful nature.
“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” (1 John 1:9 NLT)
Christmas is a season of great joy. It is a time of God showing His great love for us. It can be a time of healing and renewed strength. Christmas is a season to celebrate Christ the Saviour with joy. We can genuinely be happy at Christmas! No matter what may be happening, we can know that we are His children.
Christmas reflects an eternal home in heaven for those who believe in Christ Jesus. Look at Christmas in a new way this year.
It must be celebrated peacefully, hence Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace. We must demonstrate peaceful co-existence in the society as we celebrate Christmas.
Jesus is the reason for the Season! This is the true meaning of Christmas.
Merry Christmas!
Rev. Uzoma Uzoeshi,
President, Imo Baptist Conference.
NIGERIA NEWSPOINT
