Christmas is a Christian festival, celebrated to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It is widely celebrated around the world. It is a holiday that brings people together and encourages acts of kindness. On that day, people decorate their homes with lights and ornaments and send gifts to friends and loved ones. As part of the Christmas tradition, people come together to share good wishes and blessings with one another, spreading love, kindness, and positivity during this festive season.
The question is, “Is it worthwhile to celebrate Christmas? Yes, it is. “Why should we celebrate it?” Many reasons make Christmas important and indispensable in the life of Christians. They are:
We celebrate Christmas to evangelize about Jesus
All that happened between Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus was observed by angels. When Jesus was born, an angel was the first person to announce it to those who did not know.
According to the Bible, there were shepherds out in the field, watching over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them to preach about Christ Jesus, saying, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:8-20
In light of this, the spirit of evangelism is ever embedded in Christmas. Any time we celebrate it, Christ is preached to the world. The birth of Jesus is one of the most popular true stories in the world in that it is told and retold several times thanks to Christmas.
I used to teach in an elementary school. There, from November to December every year, the children are made to rehearse in preparation for Carol Service. On the day before vacation, all parents and guardians, believers and unbelievers alike, are invited into an auditorium for a Carol Service, where children sing carols, recite poems, read nine lessons, say quotes, and do a drama on the birth of Jesus. The activities mentioned singularly point to Jesus Christ and the mystery of His birth. In this, Christ is preached.
Churches use Christmas as an opportunity to hold large outdoor meetings which are popularly called Christmas Conventions or Christmas crusades to speak aloud to the world about a child who was conceived not by coitus but by the Spirit of God and this child went on to become the Savoir of all mankind.
When you turn on the radio, the FM stations enrich the atmosphere with endless carols that tune the minds of listeners to Jesus. When you turn on your television, Christmas-themed movies and programs steal the show, setting Jesus in our mind’s eye. The Christmas atmosphere covers every ground, leaving no stone unturned. What we fail to realize is that the Christmas celebration is one of the loudest events of evangelism to reach out to perishing souls. As it stands, every year, God leads unbelievers to appreciate why Jesus had to be born to save humanity, leading them to repentance and salvation; this may happen at home, at Christmas programs, or at Christmas conventions.
We celebrate Christmas to commemorate the birth of Jesus
Great and famous men of extraordinary accomplishment are not ever forgotten; they are immortalized in our minds. How much more should the Savior of the world be ever remembered? All who walk in the Christian light would appreciate a day set apart for the remembrance of Him, hence we have Christmas; a day set aside for the remembrance of Jesus – focusing on His birth, childhood, and ministry.
On every Christmas, we remember that the promise of a Messiah which God made through Moses and the prophets has been fulfilled in Mary giving birth to Jesus.
We remember that Mary became pregnant by the Holy Spirit not by Joseph, fulfilling the Old Testament prophesy that a virgin shall give birth to the Messiah.
At every Christmas, we remember that Bethlehem, the hometown of David, was the birthplace of Jesus as it was told in Micah 5:2. And the town would suffer a great atrocity for Herod, attempting to kill Jesus, killed all children two years and below. (Matthew 2:16, Jeremiah 31:15)
At every Christmas, we understand that Jesus is called Jesus of Nazareth because, though born in Bethlehem, He grew up in Nazareth. (Matthew 2:23)
In fact, during Christmas, there is a lot we are led to remember about Jesus that points to the truth that He is indeed the long-awaited Messiah who was to come and that He is the fulfillment of the prophecy about a Savior who shall save the world.
Christmas is our joyous response to the coming of the Savior to this earth
If someone buys you your dream house and your dream car, how would you react or respond? Perhaps, you would jump high to the moon with joy, or say ‘thank you’ in tears, right? How should we respond to the birth of the hero who came to save mankind from sin, death, hell, and the wrath of God?
When the angels in heaven learned that Jesus the Savior had been born, they celebrated joyously in heaven and their celebration was witnessed by the shepherds; it is written – 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2:13-14
‘A time of celebration’ is how even angels responded to the birth of the Savior of mankind. What about us humans, especially we Christians who have profited infinitely from the birth of Jesus? If angels have celebrated the birth of Jesus, are we not to do better? Therefore, celebrating Christmas is our response as Christians that we appreciate the coming of the Son of God to this earth. We celebrate it showing how happy or pleased we are that the Son of God had come to this earth to save and restore us to God.
We celebrate Christmas to foster family reunions and homecoming
Around the time Jesus was about to be born, the decree of Caesar Augustus made all people in Israel go to their hometown to be counted, as mentioned in Luke 2:1-4. Then Mary and Joseph, the parents of Jesus, went to Bethlehem, the hometown of Joseph because he was a descendant of David. It was in his hometown, Bethlehem, that Jesus was born. The homecoming spirit has since then been incorporated into the celebration of the birth of Jesus.
Even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, when traveling and movement, in general, was inconvenient and dangerous, many were those who sought to reach their families, their homes, or their hometowns to celebrate Christmas.
Christmas is a time for family reunions and homecomings. It is a special occasion to gather with loved ones, share joy, and create lasting memories. The warmth and love that fill the air during this festive season remind us of the importance of family bonds such that Christmas is also family reunion day. Merry Christmas!
Christmas fosters Reconciliation
Reconciliation is the restoration of friendly relations. There couldn’t be a better time for reconciliation than during Christmas which we celebrate to commemorate the birth of Jesus – the one who came to reconcile us to God.
Christmas is a time for reconciliation, fostering unity and forgiveness in the family, at home, and in the workplace. It is a time when people come together to celebrate and mend relationships. Families gather around the Christmas tree, exchanging gifts and sharing meals, creating a warm and loving atmosphere. In the professional sphere, Christmas can catalyze resolving conflicts and promote harmony among colleagues. Colleagues often organize office parties and engage in team-building activities to foster a sense of unity and camaraderie. Christmas serves as a reminder to put aside differences and focus on the importance of family and community. By embracing the spirit of Christmas, we can create a more positive and supportive work environment.
Christmas is a time to reach out to those in need
After Jesus was born in the days of King Herod, wise men from the East came to visit him in Bethlehem. They fell to worship Him and they opened their treasures and offered him gifts – gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:11-12)
Christmas is a time when generosity takes center stage. During this festive season, individuals and communities alike embrace the spirit of giving, extending a helping hand to those in need. From donating to charities to volunteering at local shelters, the generosity displayed during Christmas is truly heartwarming.
One of the most common ways people show their generosity during Christmas is through charitable giving. Many individuals and organizations donate money, food, and gifts to those less fortunate. This helps to ensure that everyone can experience the joy and warmth of the Christmas season. Additionally, numerous fundraising events are organized to raise funds for various causes, such as providing meals for the homeless or supporting children in need.
Volunteering is another way people express their generosity during Christmas. Many individuals dedicate their time and effort to helping those who are struggling. They may serve meals at soup kitchens, distribute gifts to children in hospitals, or visit elderly individuals who may be feeling lonely. These acts of kindness not only bring joy to those receiving assistance but also create a sense of community and togetherness.
Christmas is a time of rest and reflection
Though Christmas is a time of celebration and joy, it is also a time for rest and reflection. As the year comes to a close, many people take this opportunity to slow down, spend time with loved ones, and contemplate the past twelve months. It is a time to appreciate the blessings and challenges that have come our way and to think about our goals and aspirations for the future. Whether it is through religious observances, quiet moments of solitude, or simply enjoying the company of family and friends, Christmas provides a chance to pause and recharge before the start of a new year. So as we exchange gifts and indulge in festive feasts, let us also take the time to rest our bodies and minds, and reflect on the meaning and significance of this special season. Wishing you a peaceful and joyful Christmas filled with rest and meaningful contemplation.
Christmas is a time of strengthening our relationship with God
Christmas is a time to deepen your relationship with God. Through prayer, reflection, and attending religious services, you can strengthen your faith. Take time to read and meditate on Scripture, and consider participating in charitable acts to embody the spirit of Christmas. Remember, prioritizing your spiritual connection can bring peace and fulfillment to your marriage, family, and professional life as well. May this Christmas draw us nearer to our spiritual path and ignite a desire within us to create a positive influence in our professional endeavors.
Christmas is a time of repentance from all ill deeds
Christmas is a time for reflection and repentance. It is a significant occasion for embracing a renewed life of holiness.
As we celebrate this joyous season, let us also take a moment to evaluate our lives. Have we made mistakes? Have we treated others with respect and kindness? Have we treated others unfairly? Let us use this opportunity to seek forgiveness, make amends, and strive to be better persons in the coming year. Christmas is a time of embracing a new life of holiness. It’s a season for deep introspection and endeavoring to lead a more virtuous and purpose-driven life.
May this Christmas bring us closer to our spiritual journey and inspire us to walk on the path of holiness.
Christmas is a time of good wishes and blessing others
According to Luke 2:8-21, the angels who celebrated the birth of Jesus were saying this, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2:14. In this statement we see their good wishes to mankind.
Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, where people come together to share good wishes and blessings, spreading love and kindness in the spirit of Christmas. During this festive season, people remember their loved ones and give them gifts or exchange gifts with them and gather with loved ones to enjoy special meals and traditions.
The act of wishing others well during Christmas is a common tradition that is deeply rooted in the values of compassion and generosity. People often send Christmas cards or greetings to their friends, family, and colleagues, expressing their warmest wishes for a joyful holiday season. These messages often include blessings for health, happiness, and prosperity in the coming year. It is a way to show appreciation for the relationships and connections that we have and to remind ourselves of the importance of spreading goodwill and positivity.