The significance of Christmas: A celebration of hope and redemption
CHRISTMAS, a time of festive joy and warmth, transcends the glittering lights and merry carols. For Christians, this holiday is a sacred occasion, a celebration that delves deep into the heart of their faith. Beyond the tinsel and ornaments lies a profound message—a message of hope and redemption rooted in the birth of Jesus Christ.
The Gospel of Luke narrates the angelic proclamation to humble shepherds on that holy night: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11, NIV). These words echo through the centuries, heralding the arrival of a Savior whose birth would bring joy and salvation to all.
The birth of Jesus aligns with ancient prophecies, weaving a tapestry of divine fulfillment. Isaiah 9:6 foretells, “For to us a child is born, to us, a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.” This prophetic verse paints a portrait of the Messiah, encompassing his multifaceted role in the grand narrative of salvation.
Christmas beckons believers to contemplate the embodiment of God’s love in the person of Jesus. John 3:16 encapsulates this profound truth: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” The act of giving Jesus as a gift to humanity demonstrates the depths of divine love and the yearning for a restored relationship between God and His creation.
The Redemptive Mission Christmas is a poignant reminder of God’s redemptive plan. Galatians 4:4-5 affirms, “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to son ship.” The concept of redemption echoes through the ages, emphasizing the freedom and grace offered through the sacrificial birth of Jesus Christ.
The nativity scene, with its humble setting and ordinary characters, exemplifies the paradoxical nature of Christ’s arrival. Philippians 2:6-8 eloquently describes this humility: “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death on a cross!”
It is not a mere coincidence that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, a town with rich historical and spiritual significance. The name Bethlehem itself means “House of Bread.” This symbolism resonates deeply, pointing to Jesus as the “Bread of Life.” In John 6:35, Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” The choice of Bethlehem underscores the nourishing and life-giving nature of Christ, sustaining our souls with divine sustenance.
The very name given to Jesus, Immanuel, encapsulates the mystery and beauty of the Incarnation. Matthew 1:23 affirms, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means ‘God with us’). In becoming human, God chose to dwell among His people, intimately sharing in the human experience. The profound truth of Immanuel resonates not only during the Christmas season but throughout the entire Christian journey—a constant reminder of God’s closeness in every circumstance.
The celestial phenomenon of the Star of Bethlehem adds a celestial dimension to the nativity narrative. This guiding star led the magi to the newborn King, signifying the universal significance of Christ’s birth. Matthew 2:2 records the magi’s inquiry, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” The star serves as a celestial proclamation, inviting all people, regardless of their background, to come and worship the Savior.
As recipients of the ultimate gift — Jesus Christ — Christians are called to embody the spirit of giving during the Christmas season. Acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion reflect the selfless love exemplified by God through the gift of His Son. As 1 John 4:11 reminds us, “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” Christmas becomes a season not only to receive but to extend the love and grace we have received to those around us, embodying the transformative power of Christ’s message in our interactions with others.
As we have discussed before, people view the Christmas Holiday in different ways. Some people have taken Christmas as a time to go to their rural areas to do traditional rites to appease their ancestors. Many also take their families to traditional healers to try and find solutions to family problems. There are some who view this time to participate in extreme parties and joy spree. Many have even lost their lives through accidents and many harmful activities. Marriages have also broken due to wayward behaviors of people. Some activities have also left many young girls pregnant after going to wild parties.
In essence, Christmas is not just an annual celebration but an opportunity for believers to rekindle their faith. As families gather and traditions unfold, let us not lose sight of the true heart of Christmas—the redemptive love of Christ. May this season be a time of profound reflection, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to living out the transformative message of hope and salvation found in the Christian faith? Christmas, at its core, is an eternal reminder of the divine love that came down to redeem and reconcile, offering a path to everlasting joy and peace.
Prosper Tingini is the Scribe of the Children of God Missionary Assembly-God’s Messenger.
Mobile & WhatsApp 0771260195. Email address: ptingini@gmail.com