Christmas is inarguably the most celebrated event the world over. The celebration has been ongoing since the second century. If you add this up, about two thousand years ago.
The origin of Christmas isn’t the main focus here but the essence of it. It is often said that if purpose isn’t known, abuse then becomes inevitable. Christmas obviously comes with great hype, pomp, and pageantry , the shopping, the gifts, the decorations, travels, and what have you?
What is the essence of Christmas? Beyond the hype, there is a reflection, a knowledge, and a true inspiration. There is no genuine Christmas without Christ. Thus, Christ is the essence of Christmas.
Jesus Christ was born in a manger. There might have been good or specialist hospitals way back. However, there was no room in the inn as it was pronounced. He was birthed in a place where there was stench. The bleeping of the lamb and goats mingled with the cry of a newborn; the Messiah. It didn’t look dignifying as it were.
His birth came when his parents were undergoing a journey. There was an interruption of sort. They paused, and the wise men traced him to the manger, bearing gifts for him.
There were many renowned cities in Jerusalem, yet he came from Galilee. Little wonder, Nathaniel asked if anything good could come from there.
Christmas should remind us of hope. Hope to the bleak world. A Saviour born to undertake our rigours, pains, and damnation. Christ brought light, salvation, and hope to a perishing world.
Christmas should make us imbibe the culture of giving. The gifts shouldn’t be for our peers and loved ones. The wise men traced the Messiah to an unlikely place, a manger. Learn to drop your gifts where it is useful, with no sign of exchange. Give to the commoners and lowly.
Christmas teaches transformation. The manager born Christ, evolved. You will also evolve! Your story will change from grass to grace.
Christmas to me is spreading God’s light and love. As you make merry this Christmas, remember to light up someone’s face. Put a smile on a family. Bring hope to the hopeless and bear gifts to the seemingly forgotten folks around you.
Merry Christmas !
Ebunoluwa Ibibo
@ Golden muse
