AVOIDING THE CHRISTMAS HALLUCINATION: LIVING-UP THE REAL CHRISTMAS DREAM

INTRODUCTION

Not many people have the real understanding of what Christmas means. The period connotes different things to different persons.

• To sale representatives it is that period of the year when companies reward loyal customers for their patronage throughout the year, with one bonanza or the other; 
• To very busy workers, it is another major break away from office rush and all the traffic hustles and bustles; 
•  To kids and perhaps  most younger folks, it is another opportunity to get a new clothe to their wardrobe with the traditional “Christmas clothe”; 
•  In fact there are folks who look up to this season to catch a new partner from the multiple events lined up to end the year, and 
•  To the general populace they see this period as the “mass return” or “family reunion” time.

There is nothing really wrong with all these activities, except that they negate the real essence for which Christmas is celebrated.

UNDERSTANDING THE TRUE ESSENCE OF CHRISTMAS

These divergent perceptions of what an occasion as holy as Christmas means have indeed altered the way it is celebrated across the globe. A random questioning test of what the true meaning of Christmas is, both from non-Christians and Christians alike will likely reveal how it has wrongly conceptualized. 

The essence of Christmas is not far-fetched for any person who truly desires to know. In its simplest form Christmas is ‘Christ’-‘mass’. Meaning a mass for the birth of Christ; but who is this Christ? And what exactly is his mission?

Beginning with the first question-Christ is the promised messiah and His mission is simple- 'to deliver the world from its sins' (Isaiah 9:6-7).  There is however a more a compelling reason for Christmas – which is the unconditional LOVE of God!

The whole essence of Christmas revolves around love. When God perhaps saw the need for a messiah He had to offer His only begotten son as the ransom for all who will sincerely accept  and confess with their mouth that He is Lord (John 3:16-21).

We may wish to seek other subtle benefits from the season, but if we fail to acknowledge this gift of God to mankind we are above all most miserable.  In addition to that, we must remember that if we only receive at this period without reciprocating we will be guilty of selfishness. If the God-Head could give the world a saviour without strings attached, we cannot let this season pass without blessing somebody from the same blessing we have freely received. If the essence of Christmas is well understood, then our joy will not be complete if only our own Christmas needs are met, without a sincere show of concern to our neighbours and brethren who cannot enjoy the happiness of the season because of their weak financial status. 

LIVING THE REAL CHRISTMAS DREAM

One thing perhaps that will gladden the heart of Christ for whom we celebrate this season is to show true love to those in need. Consider what the Saviour had to say in Mathew 25:34-40.

“³⁴Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.

 ³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,

³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?

³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

The reverse will be the case if we ignore this simple but compelling message to share God’s love with those in need. The impending danger of neglect is found in Matthew 25:41-45.

⁴¹ “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. ⁴² For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, ⁴³ I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

⁴⁴ “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

⁴⁵ “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

The question some curious, fire brand Christians will likely ask, will be – “on what account will a person go to hell, is it for not showing God’s love or for not accepting Christ as Lord and Saviour? The answer is an emphatic BOTH as can be confirmed from 1^st Peter 4:8 which says “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

It is sin that leads people to hell and the passage above reminds us that love is one antidote for the remission of sins after we have accepted Christ into our lives. Confessing Christ as Lord and saviour is a prerequisite to heaven, but it does not end there. Charity should not be a subject of debate, amongst Christians; even unbelievers know that there abound immense benefits for all kind deeds done to the poor. As true celebrants (i.e. persons who know the real essence of Christmas) we must demonstrate in practical terms the love of God showered on us freely by the gift of Jesus Christ. If God can give us His only son, we have no excuse to withhold anything from those we can bless. Be reminded that He is a good Lord who rewards those that diligently seek Him. If you are still in doubt about what to do perhaps 1^st Corinthians 15:58 will be of good help. It says:

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain”. 

WHAT NEXT?

Every true expression of love begins with giving! Even in our natural relationships, affection permeates gifts. The best way to show wholesome concern is in giving. I believe strongly also that every man has what to give; we only need to check carefully to find out what are gifts should be. To some it is their money they have to give; to others it could be their talent, time, knowledge, words of wisdom and unconditional care for the infirm, weak and the less privileged. Consider what Apostle Paul had to say in Acts 20:35 on this:

“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

THE CONCLUSION

What more do I have to say- Nothing than “Go ye and do as you have read”. Make sure you give somebody a real reason to be happy this season by your show of love. God bless you now and in the New Year to come as you diligently obey His words.

Have a Merry Christmas! !!