CHRISTMAS DAY — THE BEAUTY AND THE BLUES

The secularisation and commercialisation of Christmas put an enormous degree of unnecessary pressure on people to “have things” “for the season.” The results are much strain, frustration, hurt and disappointment, especially for the less fortunate. Christmas! Finally, the big day is here! Millions would have chosen to begin the day with prayer and church services, in honour of the birth of the Saviour of the world, Jesus Christ. Others may have decided upon the course of quiet fellowship at home. And some are tired and still asleep! Many families seize the precious moment of this day for intimate bonding and reunion. Children, as well as adults, in many instances, would rush under the Christmas tree to investigate the gift wrapped boxes for hidden treasures. Of course, there are the fete lovers who, collectively, would have spent millions on alcohol, ranging from the “finest” vodka to common rum and beer.

All of the above — and more — make up what’s generally called the “brighter side” of Christmas. But, the reality is, there is also quite a dull, dark and even agonising side of Christmas which a considerably large community experiences. Despite all the giving, sharing and caring that form part of the this season, there are multitudes who spend this day hungry and horrified. For these less fortunate ones, we need to spare a thought and continue to strive, by the Spirit of Christ, to alleviate their pains by addressing their essential needs. However, for those who may not have the best, in terms of eat, drink, dress, gifts and decorated homes, there is really no need to be unduly sad, since Christmas is in essence, not about “having things.” The secularisation and commercialisation of Christmas put an enormous degree of unnecessary pressure on people to “have things” for “the season.” This results in much strain, frustration, hurt and disappointment, especially for the less fortunate.

The blessed event of Christmas has to do with the birth of the Saviour, who came to redeem the souls of men, by the conversion of their hearts. More than anything, Christmas has to do with the clean, pure hearts of men lifted in thanksgiving to God, in acceptance of the saving grace through His Son. God, the Father, acknowledges this attitude with much greater esteem than all the lavishness of the Yuletide season. “Obedience is better than sacrifice” (1 Sam 15:22). Nevertheless, apart from the negatives of secularisation and commercialisation, we who are among the more fortunate, must keep in mind that although the salvation of the souls of men is certainly the key mission of Christ, He has also given definite instructions to care for the sick, hungry, thirsty and naked (Matt 25:35-40). And this is not only for Christmas Day or during the “Christmas season.” The true Christmas spirit should be an effective reminder to all of us who are called to carry out the commission of Christ, that there is much work to be done, in fulfilling this sacred call.

This can only happen when we make that special effort to assist the less fortunate, in terms of spiritual and tangible needs. We must note though, when we speak of addressing tangible needs, this is not restricted to mere handouts. It’s better to teach a man to fish than to give him one! “If a man refuses to work, then he should not eat” (2 Thess 3.10). Amidst all the “works of charity and goodwill” the Lord also charges us to develop responsible and productive human beings. There are also those who take no part in Christmas at all, since it’s their conviction that the celebration is purely pagan. Perhaps we can engage those who espouse this view in a brief discussion. This may serve to provoke some enlightening thoughts. You may claim that Christmas has had some connection with pagan worship and you may be quite right. But you’ll agree that the original celebration of the birth of Christ (Luke 2:13,14) was directly arranged by God and had absolutely nothing to do with paganism.

This being so, we can then safely conclude that celebrating the birth of Christ, per se, is not wrong. Some may also contend that the Scriptures do not specifically tell us that we should celebrate the birth of Christ. That too may be true. But it is also true that the Scriptures do not tell us that we should not celebrate His birth. It’s a matter of one’s personal choice. This position is clearly supported by Roman 14:5,6a which reads: “One man esteemeth one day above another. Another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it.” This will also take the sting out of the contention that December 25 may not be the actual date of Jesus’ birth and therefore should not be observed as Christmas. God honours the day that’s chosen to honour him. Do have an enjoyable Christmas.