Standing the Test of Time: FINDING MEANING TO CHRISTMAS

Standing the Test of Time: FINDING MEANING TO CHRISTMAS: FINDING MEANING TO CHRISTMAS There is no uncertainty that the deepest attachment of Christmas to man can be the highest detachmen...

FINDING MEANING TO CHRISTMAS

FINDING MEANING TO CHRISTMAS

There is no uncertainty that the deepest attachment of Christmas to man can be the highest detachment to God almighty. To break this statement into a more simple language, our Christmas would never make meaning if we have not opted to view and apply the celebration of Christmas as from Gods perspective. Hence, what are our already desired thoughts to Christmas this year? Are they of good or of bad?. It should interest us that no matter what/how it might be, if there is no understanding to the genesis and meaning of Christmas, celebrating Christmas is thus meaningless.

Christmas without Christ is Christmas without a cause. Many years ago, I was meant to believe that Charismas is a time to get new clothing, a time to eat and drink to the fullest. A time to visit places like zoo’s, wild life parks, museums, PRTV, NTA among several other recreational activities. I was meant to believe that the season of Christmas is a time to say ‘happy Christmas’ to somebody and expect money in return, if need be, go from houses to houses ‘aiming at money’ in the name of happy Christmas. Though it is not bad, but, is that the true meaning of Christmas? That should be a celebration of the new born king without an encounter.  It is indeed period without understanding what Christmas really meant. But now, I realize that even though Christmas is a moment of celebration, it must have to be celebrated with meaning. And this meaning can only be actualized when we give positive answers to certain germane questions as to whom this new born king is; a reason for commemorating Christmas. These illustrations above were my thoughts, and many people are still holding to these thoughts among several others as reasons for Christmas. If these are not the true reasons for Christmas, what then is Christmas? What is the real meaning of Christmas?

           In our today’s world, Christmas is coined to be something different. It is a time when evil and frivolous activities are on the increase. It is a time when many people visit their churches for the first time in a year. It is a time when many people have to travel to their villages for the first time in a year. It is a time when people wash their carpets for the first time in a year. It is a time when people eat and drink to satisfy their bellies. It is a time when the Church is filled to capacity. It is a time when people visit places like zoo, people’s houses, wild life parks, amusement parks or even museums. It is a time when people will say ‘happy Christmas’ to expect money in return. It is a time when people compete on who will first finish plenty bottles of alcoholic drinks. It is a time when people make their hairs for the first time in a year. It is a time when people opt for new shoes, dresses and do all sort of make-ups. If all these are they thoughts of many people about Christmas, is it truly the Christmas? If no, what then is the real meaning of Christmas?

          Christmas is an annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ and a widely observed holiday celebrated generally on the 25th of December, yearly. It’s a red-letter-day that must remain indelible in our lives as Christians. The Gregorian calendar is not complete if 25th December is not given due recognition, hence, the birth of Christ must be highly recognized in our lives. Of a truth, ‘Christmas celebration will never make meaning if we have not received and recognized Jesus Christ into our lives’. About 60% and above of people who celebrate Christmas, celebrate it without understanding the meaning of Christmas. They celebrate it blindly because people are equally celebrating. They eat because people are eating. They practice lust instead of love and later get lost, and at the end of the day, they call it the spirit of Christmas.

          To understand what this Christmas means, we must have to answer some very momentous questions even after painstakingly illustrating these questions below. We must have to access these questions as from our own point of view. They are germane questions and must be answered accurately.

How was Jesus Christ Conceived and Born?

          Several of people today were born in the best hospitals in town, for some others, arrangements are made for them to travel abroad to be born. But for Jesus Christ that was not the case. Even after he was conceived through the Holy Spirit to a virgin called Mary, he was very much targeted to be killed by a human king. The bible introduced us in Matthew 1:18 that “This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit”. How can the Doctors of today explain this kind of scenario? That is, no union between a virgin man and a virgin woman and then a child is said to be conceived to the virgin woman through the Holy Spirit. What a mystery!, a mystery that even the specialized Doctors cannot have factual answers to. After this mystery, there comes a mystifying situation surrounding His Birth, He was born in a manger. ‘And she gave birth to him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn’ (Luke 2:7 KJV). The NIV version says, ‘….because there was no guest room available for them’.

Jesus Christ with Mary and Joseph in a Manger..

Jesus birth took place in a stable, surrounded by farm animals. That is, in a manger (a feeding trough). What a birth of the Master! What do we have to say as regards his birth that took place in a feeding trough? It counts on us to answer this question before celebrating this year’s Christmas. The circumstances of Jesus birth had never changed His mission nor had it changed the mandate of God for him. All that his birth was associated with was to the glory of God, and it implies that wherever we are coming from or the situation surrounding us today, we can be whatever and wherever God wants us to be. 

Jesus in a Manger.

 But the big question to answer this season of Christmas is that, do you have place for Jesus Christ in your heart?, have you created room for Jesus in your heart?, have you opened your heart for Jesus Christ even while He His at the door knocking?. It should be of our interest to know that Christmas is a time to create room for Christ in our hearts. It’s a time to be happy and rejoice for the birth of our new born king. The birth of Jesus has brought us good news and we have to spread it out to the world. In order for us to enjoy this season of Christmas, we must accept the good news of Christ birth and create room for him in our lives. It is true that Jesus was born in the manger, but how can it affect and change our perspectives to life?, a question that must not be left unanswered this season of Christmas.

How did Jesus Christ Grew?

          Many people did not grow to understand what Christmas meant. They grew to know that Jesus was born, and that is all. They never followed the example of the new born king by following in His steps. If not until you know how Jesus grew, you will not have a better meaning to why Christmas is celebrated. Jesus grew to understand the business of His Master. At the age of twelve, he knew what it meant to be busy doing God’s business. He identified his purpose and started to carry out his responsibility at that age. “And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom and the grace of God was upon him” (Luke 2:40). Jesus was not strong for nothing, for he uses it doing what was right. He grew to apply his wisdom doing the fathers business. ‘And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about my father’s business?’ (Luke 2:49).

Jesus in the Temple teaching.

The father’s business is doing God’s work. Christmas is not a time to gossip, it’s a time to do Gods work. It is not a time to use our strength to waste in party/disco-halls; it’s a time to tell people about the essence of Christmas. It’s a time to tell people about the birth of Christ and how he grew in stature. ‘And Jesus increase in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man’ (Luke 2:52). Christmas today is turn to be finding favour with men, a favour that will lead nowhere. Growth is inevitable, and we must learn to follow the pattern of Jesus, for that is the only way to reach the heavenly father. If truly we knew how Jesus grew, we would grow to become like Jesus, and this Christmas will be meaningfully celebrated. Have you begin your step with Jesus Christ or you have not yet started?, a question that must not be left unanswered this season of Christmas.

Why was Jesus Christ Born?

Jesus was born for a purpose. As Jesus was born for a purpose, so are we. Every one of us was born for a purpose and with a purpose.  Jesus was born because He is the only redeemer who has come to redeem us from our sins. Even though his birth was surrounded with circumstances that we might feel not to believe in him, it is very interesting to know that he is the only way to reach the heavenly father.  Jesus was born to rescue us from our sins. “Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the REDEMPTION of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38). Some bible version like NLT says ‘…..been waiting expectantly for God to RESCUE Jerusalem’. He was born so that we can believe in Him, and we must have a reason to believe in Him.

Jesus rescuing the helpless.

 Jesus Christ was born to save us from sin. He is our savior. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a SAVIOUR, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). It is very insightful to note that we are all born with a purpose. Have you ever asked yourself this question that ‘Why am I born to this planet earth? Am I born to only go to Church on Christmas day for the first time in a year? Or just to sit and eat and drink till my stomach is filled? Am I born to just go around doing frivolous activities coupled with immoral acts on Christmas day? If not until you know why Jesus Christ was born, you will not be able to celebrate this Christmas very joyously. In short, you will celebrate it meaninglessly. It is not enough to know who you are, find why you are. Have you known why you are born?, a question that must not be left unanswered this season of Christmas..

Where are you leading yourself this Christmas Day?       

Everybody is entitled to lead himself where he wishes, but if where he wished to be is not approved by God, he will lead himself somewhere unimportant. Every man has a star to lead him somewhere; we must have to follow the star till it reaches the end. You may not know where the star leads, but with God, you will reach the desired end God wants you to reach. Immediately Jesus was born, the message went to the shepherds through the angel to go and visit and worship the new born king.

The Three wise men ridding to were Jesus was born.

They followed the star even when they do not know where it will lead then until it stops at where Jesus was born. “..the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy”. (Matthew 2:9b-10). So many people have not identified theirs stars nor have they even known where their stars will lead them. God is the only man who can direct us to the desired end. 

The three wise men rejoicing with Joy.

 Many people have already make plans on how to spend this year’s Christmas. Some have make arrangements on how to go and waste their precious time on un-useful things. Some have booked the most expensive hotels to go and have a good but non-right time with other of their friends. Some others have practice the dance they will dance in the already booked party halls. Some have already gathered money that will be used to spend on bottle of bears in goskolo joints. Are all these things useful and pleasing to God? If no, the preparation for Christmas has not yet started. We must allow God to lead us to the right place this Christmas season. We must follow the voice of God, if not; we would be celebrating Christmas in vain. Many people might have targeted your star, don’t worry, they will never stop your star if you put your trust in God, for only God can make you shine, laugh and rejoice with exceeding great joy at the exact time. But, when you do not trust in God, it is credible to assert that people around you will see your star and may destroy it before your own eyes. God expect us to go where it will be pleasing to him. Lead yourself to where God will be glorified this year’s Christmas. Where have you opted to go this Christmas? a question that must not be left unanswered this season of Christmas..

Do you have anything to offer to Jesus Christ this Christmas?

The 3 wise men did not only visited Jesus but they offered something precious (gifts) to the new born king. They did not only offer precious gifts, but they offered good worship to the new born king. What do you have to offer to this new born king this year’s Christmas?. The bible says, “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.(Matthew 2:11). 

The Three wise men offering gifts and worship to Jesus Christ.

  What do you have to offer to Jesus Christ this Christmas celebration? That is why I said that, ‘If you don’t have gold to offer to Jesus Christ, offer good worship, if you don’t have frankincense, offer fervent fellowship and love for others, if you don’t have myrrh to offer to Jesus Christ, offer your mellifluous (sweet-sounding) body’. Also note that if you don’t have anything to give, you can give yourself to Jesus. Offer yourself to the service of God can be the best way to celebrate your Christmas this year.  When we offer our body to Jesus Christ, we would live to enjoy this year’s Christmas with meaning. Instead of people to offer their bodies to God, they offer it cheaply for immoral activities. God expect us to offer our body as a living sacrifice. The only way to bring meaning to this year’s Christmas is to offer ourselves to God Almighty. What have you prepared to offer to this new born king this year? a question that must not be left unanswered this season of Christmas..

How much love would you give this year’s Christmas?

It was love that made it possible for our almighty God to send His only begotten son (Jesus) to save us from our sins. We must love as Christ loves. Love entails giving and sharing. So therefore, we must share that which we have with others this Christmas. We must learn to love other people this Christmas with sincerity. The expenses that we opt to make, please we should include that of those who cannot be able to afford. When we practice true love this Christmas, we would make many people happy. We should meet a need this Christmas. Therefore, we should find a need and meet it. Youths of today, have devised ways to practice lust instead of love, a lust that leads to their lost. If we must enjoy this Christmas, we must love with good motive and not with wrong motive. Love is of the essence, and we must love to make this Christmas lovely. How have you decided to love this year’s Christmas? a question that must not be left unanswered this season of Christmas..

What is the lesson we should learn and apply to our lives this Christmas season?

No matter what lessons I would have illustrated here, it can never suit the one we would proffer ourselves. Of a truth, if not until we have room for this new born king into our lives, we are then commemorating this Christmas this day, we shall not live to consider this Christmas very interesting. We must have Christ as our Lord and personal savior.

          After looking painstakingly at the above germane questions, we must have to derive an essence for Christmas. What have you already thought of Christmas?, have you thought of another routine and normal Christmas?, have you thought of doing unholy things this year’s Christmas again? How have you programmed your Christmas this year?. If this is your reason, please pause, and check very properly before celebrating this year’s Christmas. What then is Christmas?, has come to challenge us to celebrate a meaningful Christmas. Therefore, we must realize that Christmas is a moment of love and sharing. It is a moment of encounter that should be contagious. It is a moment to find a star that should lead us to where God only designed it to stop. It is a moment of renewal of the heart. It is a moment of opening our hearts while Christ himself is standing at the door knocking very hard. It is a moment of taking the good news of the new born king to the world. It is a moment of joy and happiness. It is a moment of celebration. It is a moment to grow to find favour with and God. We must bring light to this Christmas, and to do that we must have Christ in us. Christmas is a moment of reaching the unreached; like the poor, widows etc. Christmas is a moment to care for those who are sick, a visit to the hospital can make a lot of difference. And I can boldly say that ‘Christmas celebration without Christ is a waste of time’. Christmas is come again, and we must celebrate it well. Never celebrate a Christmas without meaning, for a meaningless Christmas is an unhappy Christmas. This write up has come to stir our hearts on how to find meaning to this year’s Christmas before celebrating. You must first know the new born king (Jesus) before you can celebrate this Christmas very meaningfully. I can boldly conclude that, "Christmas celebration without Christ is a Christmas celebrated without a cause".

“God is here. This truth should fill our lives, and every Christmas should be for us a new and special meeting with God, when we allow his light and grace to enter deep into our soul”. Josemaría Escrivá

Happy Christmas and prosperous Happy New Year to you all.

Written

By:

Samson O. Daniel

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CHRIST CHRISTMAS CHRISTIAN

CHRIST CHRISTMAS CHRISTIAN

What people think about Christmas!

The season for the Reason we were saved today, the story we are told each day, a hope we foresee to the eternal life above.

Jesus Is The Child, The Reason For The Season!
Christ Christmas Christian is a Phrase that reveals the true essence of the Birth of Christ. Christ came and gave us a purpose to celebrate, the purpose of salvation to the world and to all people who where ones condemned to death, to bring life and light and that why we are called Christians today. So when you start reading the Title backward, you find out that Christian celebrate Christmas because of Christ.   

Then so was Christmas, its quiet interesting to know the thoughts of many people about Christmas. Mostly it’s about the cloths, the hair style, the place to go, the food to eat and another thing that amaze us as children at that time was the cries of innocent chickens, goats, rams, cows that there very own lives are laid for the stomach and many more. In the past, people celebrate Christmas with an essence- a true essence. So very unfortunate in the world today many people do not know the true essence of the birth of that little Child born in a manger. Before His coming, many things took place to prepare His coming. His birth, another remarkable thing- born through a virgin, in a house of sheep’s, laid in a manger, a place were feeds are put for the satisfaction of animals. Now a king has being born, a star appeared to the three shepherds, “a king has been born for you today”. Normally when you find a person or a child born in this kind of situation, as poor as it might be; the gifts that will be given to him/her will be less expensive and just as manageable for a few penny. But the birth of this very Child attracted gifts of lots, real expensive from not just anybody, -Gold, Silver and Myre. His birth as humble. We ought to celebrate Christmas just as his birth, with dignity, respect and true essence of the birth in mind.

Christmas is a very special day that we celebrate once a year. A day the Child, the savoir Christ was born, surrounded by farm animals in Bethlehem.

An article I read stated this “Christians and non-Christians celebrates Christmas as a major festival and take public holiday in countries around the world. Others celebrate Christmas with gift-giving, decorations and Christmas trees”. Again I asked is this the true essence of the birth of this Child? No, many people take Christmas to be a normal religious routine, a festival that every body enjoy, a festival of committing many atrocities, a festival of drinking bear to drunk, a festival of committing all sort of immoral acts as to enjoying human pleasures, sex and so on. Any body with this kind of thought should re-think again. Non Christians Join Christians to celebrate Christmas because of the wrong impression that was given to them; they feel free and secure to celebrate because the true essence is the unknown. For many, instead of unbelievers to realize Jesus birth and significance to their lives, they end up seeing the appeal of seeking pleasure instead of a humble adoration. Unbelievers are supposed to know the true essence of Christmas when ever it is celebrated. The relationships and the communications should be about the marvelous birth of this child that every nation is talking about and wants to know about, the peace that came to the world, the price sacrifice for all. The true essence of the birth is the thing that needs to be preached around the world. For the humble savoir was not born in the palace of immorality, nor the den of drunkards, nor the place of adultery, nor the house of iniquity, nor the room of wickedness or in the mist of kings – for he is the King of kings, And the Government shall be upon His shoulders, and He shall be called, wonderful counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting father, and the Kings of kings.

The Real Meaning of Christmas

Once again it’s December, the time of remembrance of the birth. December has come and with it all the joys of Christmas. But what is the real meaning of Christmas? Could it be the cloths, the meat, the chickens, the rice, the cruse through the town, the dinners with friends and family, the picnics and so much lots of fun, the father Christmas grooming around the corner of streets with gifts and chocolates. Is this really the Christmas Bundle?  

 Many people expect in Christmas, they go extra miles to see that they have a pot of rice, a bow of chicken and some bits of Christmas gifts for friends. For some they have the privilege of spending time with their families and children, relative who come from different places for the purpose of this wonderful occasion. Its quiet unfortunate to see how people struggle in other to get the Christmas going, But come to think of it, the money is not enough, the cloths for the children; the pink one for the baby girls and the jeans for the boys. Yet, Christmas can be a season of great joy.

The celebration of the birth of this Child is the true essence of Christmas. The birth of this child brought great joy to the world. The Shepherds, wise men, and angels all shared in this remarkable event in a life time, an everlasting hope for all.

Long before time, His coming was foretold by Prophets. Luke 2: 6-14 says:

“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 cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over 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 favor rests."

In this hard world of many dangers and pre exposure to darkness, a light was born, a light that can not be quenched, a light for all to see. This child’s story was one that can not be left out; He is one of truth, love, and hope. He brought the hope of salvation to all of us. Because of our wrongs He came. We can know that heaven is a place where we can go to when this life is over, only when we have this child in mind (Jesus).

We can truly be happy at Christmas! No matter the conditions we find ourselves, no matter the ache that cause our downfall, the only thing we need to have is this Child. What may be happening might be a stepping stone to your lives greatest rounds. Believing in this child this Christmas means bringing home the peace that last forever and eternity. Though we may then after believing have a peaceful home, but there is something much greater, Heaven will be our peaceful home one day.

Look at Christmas in a new way this year. This is the year to invite Jesus into your heart. You will then have a "Merry Christmas." The joy and peace you will receive will last all year as you look to God for all your needs to be met.

Jesus Is The Child, The Reason For The Season!

The Celebration

People celebrate Christmas in a grand style, gifts, sweets, dinners, parties, dances, etc. especially eating is one of the best part of Christmas because its just like any other anniversary that people celebrate. Yap, actually its good to keep the body and soul together, but its all about fun now days.

As we show the love for our families, friends and relatives we should put In mind the ultimate love of God. For when we celebrate Christmas, we are celebrating one of the greatest truths of our faith. 

The truth if very far from people today, because the work that Christians are obligated to do and show to unbelievers is not achieved due to the change in true Christian practice. The new way of life today shows us that Christmas is a celebration of all, believers and unbelievers.

The mind set of this wonderful celebration should not only remember the event that took place 2,000 years ago but the remarkable and supernatural coming of the child Jesus.

Jesus Is The Child, The Reason For The Season!

Benefits of believing in this Child (Jesus)

Galatians 4:1-7 says: “what I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. He is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. So also when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world. But when the time had fully come, God sent his son, born of a woman, born under the law. To redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because you are Sons, God sent the spirit of His son into our hearts, the spirit who calls out, “Abba Father”. So you are no longer slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.”

This child is an amazing child character. At the fullness of time the Father in heaven sent His only son for the redemption of the all. This is a message of great joy. According to Galatians, we humans are born under the law which means that there was a law that existed before the coming of this child. A law, meaning there is a fault somewhere, a law given to guide. When a law is in existence people have a mandate to obey no matter how difficult it might seem and failure to do what the law demand means a price must be paid (condemnation). That law was a law that limited the true inheritance that was meant to be if not, because of the fall of Adam and eve. By this we are subjected to the ruling of the law which indeed did not offer a room for salvation. The law that governs a child; “What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate.” It has been the plan of God for His children to inherit the kingdom, but along the line there was a rebellion. God showed his greatest love and mercy which is the greatest gift of all. He so much loved man that He gave His only Son (in the fullness of time) to come into the world under the law to defeat the law and to conquer the death which is the condemnation under the law, to bring us to His marvelous light of eternity and the benefits and inheritance as heirs of the Father. Through this very child (Jesus) who came we can now be sure and certain of full rights as sons and daughters of God; Only if we chose to believe in this very child of hope, life and eternity.

Roms. 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.”

Today is our now, tomorrow no one knows. The child is the way the truth and the life, no one can go to the father except through Him. This child is a child that only through Him we can get save, through Him we are sons “Because you are Sons, God sent the spirit of His son into our hearts, the spirit who calls out, “Abba Father”. This child, through Him we have an inheritance of the father. The world has offered us wealth, pleasures of immorality, fame and fortunes, this very world has offered us nothing but death, this world can not offer us this great privilege that God (the ultimate) offered. This ultimate gift is the Child that was born in Bethlehem. Therefore anyone who believe in this child “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”. This very child is the child that every child, big or old, slaves or free, masters or servants celebrate and feast in the Christmas. How do you wish to ask yourself this Christmas; will it be all the chickens, will it be all the picnics – get together, will it be the hangouts, will it be the parties or the ultimate, will it be all about telling others and showing others the importance of the celebrations of the birth of this very child. It’s remarkable how we had this story; it’s amazing how we believed, it is hopeful having been saved and having a place as a son/daughter of the Father (God). Have you also been saved by this very child. There is nothing to loss because life is just a journey or an adventure. A task is given, a mandate to be fulfilled, lives through the child, to lead to an eternal life and inheritance. Then world no matter there struggle can never compare even an inch to what the child (Jesus) has. Moreover God owns everything on earth and in heaven.

Make this Christ your Christmas this year 2012 as we forward into the grace of the New Year 2013 and you will truly experience the joy of a CHRIST CHRISTMAS CHRISTIAN.

Jesus Is The Child, The Reason For The Season!

Are you a Christ Christmas Christian?

May you have the gift of faith, the blessing of hope and the peace of His Love at this Christmas and always!!!

Written by Abraham John

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