The Relevance Of Christmas

Christmas is celebrated to remember the birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the Son of God. The day commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ who was born in Bethlehem to his parents, Joseph and Mary. It is believed that Christ was conceived through the Holy Spirit and was born when Mother Mary was still engaged to Joseph. Christmas is celebrated as a religious and commercial holiday. However, there is no proof that Jesus Christ was born on December 25, as the Gregorian calendar did not exist back then. The Bible also doesn't mention the exact date.

It is one of the most sacred days in Christianity and is spent singing carols, eating delicious food, exchanging gifts, visiting friends, spending time with family, and so much more. People also decorate their homes by hanging mistletoes and wreaths on their doors and placing a Christmas tree inside their homes adorned with ornaments and lights. Though the festival holds significance in the Christian community, it is marked with enthusiasm by non-Christians. Various countries around the world have different names for the Christmas festival. It is referred to as Yuletide in Germany, Navidad in Spanish, Natale in Italian, and Noël in French.

Christmas carries with it a lot of benefits. Below are some of the Relevance/Importance of Christmas:

Commemoration of the Birth of Jesus Christ

Christmas primarily marks the birth of Jesus Christ. an event considered sacred in Christianity. It is a time for Christians worldwide to reflect on the significance of Jesus’ birth and the message of love and salvation He brought. Christmas celebrates the anniversary of the birth of Jesus. Christians understand this as the “incarnation,” which means that God became human in the form of Jesus Christ. As it says in the Gospel of John, “The Word became flesh and lived among us.” (John 1: 14). Christmas is a time of gratitude for this incarnation of God into the world and remembrance of the importance of incarnating or embodying our own faith through love, generosity, and service, to continue making this world a better place.

Salvation, Spread of Love and Compassion

One of the relevance of Christmas is salvation, spread of love and compassion. Salvation is typically defined as deliverance from sin, self, and hell. It definitely includes all that, but it also embraces much more. We are not only saved from something bad, we are saved for something good. The Bible says, "In Christ Jesus, God made us to do good works, which God planned in advance for us to live our lives doing." God has a great purpose and a good plan for your life. Salvation also means being given the freedom and power to fulfill God's purpose for your life. "Today. . . there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." LUKE 2:11 NASB. The festival of Christmas is more than a religious day. Apart from commemorating the nativity of Jesus, it also attempts to attain purity and devotion. People believe that on this day, God sent his son on earth to redeem people from their sins and show them the right path. Christmas embodies values such as love, compassion, and goodwill towards all. The act of gift-giving symbolizes selflessness and the joy of giving, promoting kindness and generosity.

Cultural and Family Traditions
Family celebrating Christmas by engaging in traditions passed down through generations such as decorating the Christmas tree, hanging stockings and singing carols. These traditions foster a sense of continuity, create lasting memories, and bring families together.

Unity, Peace and Reconciliation
Christmas serves as a reminder of the universal desire for peace, unity and reconciliation. Messages of peace and goodwill are prevalent in Christmas carols, stories and greetings. Now, we in our wonderful new relationship with God – all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done.... making us friends of God.” ROMANS 5:11 TLB. This means Christmas is a time of reconciliation! To the shepherds of Bethlehem, the third announcement of the angel concerned the arrival of the "Prince of Peace." Jesus would not only teach the way to peace but would empower us to live lives of peace if we would trust him. "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." LUKE 2:14 KJV

Reconciliation is the restoration of peace. Peace with God, peace with others, and peace in your own heart. It is the powerful miracle cure for broken lives and relationships. Reconciliation defuses conflict and turns chaos into calmness. It quiets quarrels. It swaps your stress for God's serenity, turns tension into tranquility, and produces peace of mind instead of panic or pressure.

Reflection and Gratitude
As the year ends, Christmas prompts reflection on the past and gratitude for the present. Many individuals take time during the holiday season to express gratitude for Blessings and acknowledge personal growth.

Economic Stimulus
Christmas significantly impacts the economy, driving retail and consumer spending. Businesses experience increased sales, contributing to economic growth and job creation during the holiday season.

Global Celebration
Christmas is celebrated globally, transcending religious and cultural boundaries. People of various faiths and backgrounds partake in the festive spirit, contributing to a shared sense of joy and celebration. One of the relevance of Christmas is celebration! We learn this from the angel's opening statement to the shepherds of Bethlehem. God had wonderful news for us that would cause us all to rejoice, celebrate, and throw a party: “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." LUKE 2:10 NIV. The good news of Christmas is worth celebrating for three reasons. It is personal: “I bring YOU." It is positive: "GOOD news of great joy." And it is universal: “for ALL the people." It doesn't matter who you are, what you've done, where you've been, or where you're headed—this news is for you.

In concluding, the significance of Christmas are many and varied going beyond religious reasons, traditional reasons, economic reasons, etc and all these fosters generosity, togetherness, love, peace and goodwill. The relevance of Christmas therefore cannot be underestimated in our lives.

By Emmanuel Akwasi Asare

   Comments3