थे एस्सेंस ऑफ़ XMAS

THE ESSENCE OF CHRISTMAS

The bible says that “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son to the world that whosoever believe in Jesus would not perish but enjoys eternal life. Theologians may have a field day arguing on the exact birth date of Jesus but I would not join issues with them, they are authorities in their own right. But the bottom line is that Jesus was born on a certain date and as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, a certain date must be set aside to mark his birthday. After all in Nigeria, today most people do not know their actual birth dates even when their parents are literate, they have been declaring and re-declaring their ages. So why should there be a controversy about a son of a poor carpenter who was born in a manger more than 2000 years ago?

Christmas simply can be described as a season of giving. Giving is or should be the centre point of the season. But this giving should not included giving unmarried women “belle”, spreading HIV/AIDS, or giving sorrows and tears to families through accidents from carelessness or avoidable mistakes. The spirit of Christmas should cool down for Jesus.

What I have observed during the “Christmases” I have witnessed is more or less exchange of gifts among the rich, friends, colleagues, business associates, family members among others. This exchange is more or less base on you give me I give you. During Christmas many give to curry favour, they give to their customers and clients in order to keep them. In short most of the giving is simply giving to those who have in abundance and may not really be in need of one’s gift or even appreciate it. God gave the world Jesus out of love but most gifts during Christmas are not out of love. Many give to fulfill all righteousness or just because others have given to them. Any gift that is not given out of love is as good as one not appreciating the gift of Jesus to the world.

Though there is nothing wrong in giving to the affluent in the society but the intention should not be on pecuniary interest. Many operate on the principle that the gift of a man makes a way for him and they strive to give to those whom they consider can impart on their lives negatively or positively, they try to curry their favour. It is different from the giving that Christmas stands for. The essence of God giving Jesus to the world was for the salvation of the world and what can one give back to God for the salvation of his soul. Silver and gold belong to God and He is the creator and sole owner of the universe, what then can you exchange for Jesus? Nothing, absolutely, nothing!

Giving should not be done to get human praise or curry favour. Many of our legislators and other political office holders, service organizations among others, this season, in full glare of the media give to the needy, orphans, and motherless as a public relations stunt. One should not wait till Christmas to give. Giving should be a daily habit. Many are wont to say that they have nothing to give. You can give a smile; give your time, talents, skills, energy, and money to one who is in need or for a worthy cause.

This Christmas look around your environment, there is someone who needs a touch from you. Learn to give without looking for a reward or even a thank you. Give to that widow, give to that orphan, give to that person who may never help you or your child. Give to your community, town or village. Visit that old woman living alone who may not have a visitor or a guest throughout this season. Do not celebrate this Christmas alone without affecting a life positively. Visit a hospital near you, there may be patients there who cannot foot their bills and you can pay the amount without any effect on your pocket. Visit the prison, every one in detention is not a criminal, and even if all of them are when they served their terms they will still come back to the society. Every person needs attention.

Touch a life. Remember the motels, inns, guest house and hotels which refused to offer accommodation to the parents of Jesus are no longer being remembered today. No one can trace them. But that manger that offers succour to Joseph and Mary is still being preserved in Bethlehem. So your act of love this season may bring a generational blessing. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!