WHAT DO WE CELEBRATE ON CHRISTMAS DAY?

It is written: "The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw his glory, the glory which he received as the Father's only Son" (John 1:14). And another scripture says: "Listen! I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and and eat with them, and they will eat with me" (Revelation 3:20). 

So in Cameroon, US, Germany, Ireland, Israel and many other countries in the world, people have well prepared for Christmas day celebrations. They have bought new clothes, replaced household equipment, and bought gifts for their kids and loved ones. In many houses people will eat and drink lavishly - and, others will attend parties and dance until dawn. But what are we celebrating on Christmas day - December 25?

THE STAR OF THE NATIVITY 

NATIVITY 

Christmas is the celebration of the Nativity - the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, 2021 years ago in Bethlehem. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, to save the world (Luke 2:4 -21). As Christians, we are also celebrating our birth in Christ, through our baptism. This the day for us to turn deeply within us, amidst the noise and hustle, to meditate and to renew our lives in Christ.  

LIGHT

Christmas is the celebration of the Life and Light that came from heaven into the world. During Christmas we receive and adore the living God who brought light into the world through the incarnation of his Word – Jesus Christ (John1:1-5, 14). As Christians, we are called  to reflect the light and glory of God in the world. This is done by practicing the Word of God and the teachings of the Church everywhere, and every day we live. 

SALVATION 

Christmas is the celebration of the salvation of the world through the victory of Jesus Christ on the Cross, over sin and death. Thus says the scriptures in Luke 2:11: “This day in David’s town your savior was born – Christ the Lord” Therefore,  Christmas day is also a day for us to meditate on the price which Christ has already paid for our salvation. This is to make sure that our engagement in worldly celebrations do not lead us to forfeit the rewards of Christ's death on the Cross. That is why he said: "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in memory of me" (Luke 22:19). Thus, participating in the Holy Mass and meditating on the Crucifixion are sure means of defence against Satan and of victory over temptations and sin. 

PEACE 

Christmas is the celebration of the coming of peace into the world.  That's why on the day of the nativity the angels of God (in their multitudes) descended in Bethlehem and sang: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom he is pleased” (Luke 2:14). And for this reason, Jesus Christ is called the Prince of Peace. Thus, for us Christians, this is the day to make peace and to forge good relationships with relatives, friends and neighbors. By turning our adversaries into our friends and collaborators for good - through the love and humility of Christ -  we become agents of change for a peaceful world. 

IMMANUEL 

Christmas is the celebration of Immanuel - "God is with us"; that is, the Incarnation of the Word of God. So it is written: “The Word became a human being, and full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw his glory, the glory which he received as the Father’s only Son” (John 1:14).  

Immanuel - "God is with us" - is the God of the New Testament and maker of the New Covenant. He is the God of love, mercy, compassion,  gentleness and humidity. He is unlike Yahweh - "God is without us" - who reigned in the Old Testament, and was revealed by fire, thunder and lightning, as well as by anger and vengeance. Yet, Christ has nothing to envy of the gods of fire, thunder and lightning; for he is the Word - the source of life (John 1:4) and the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17). When he speaks it is done (John 11:43-44 "Lazarus, come out"), as he is the Word Incarnate (John 1:14); and the King and Ruler of the universe (Colossians1:16). 

That's why he said, "My Father and I will come to them and live with them" (John 14:23) and also, "I will come into their house and eat with them and they will eat with me" (Revelation 3:20) What we give Christ to eat consists of: our sins, weaknesses, problems, burdens, doubts, diseases, obstacles, limitations, insecurities, needs etc (John 4:34; Mathew 11 :28). And what Christ gives us to eat are his Spirit (Matthew 3:11), grace (John 1:17), healing (Matthew 12:15), blessings (John 1:16) - and much more. 

So if we are still looking for God who comes in the fire, thunder or wind, then that God is not Jesus Christ. Christ comes in a gentle Spirit and speaks in a silent voice to those who have opened their hearts to him.  That's why he says, when you want to pray, "close the door of your room and speak to your Father who knows what's in your mind" (Mathew 6:6). Therefore, unless we are casting out demons, we don't even need to speak out when we pray - silent meditation is all we need to speak with Immanuel". 

CHRISTMAS IS SHARING TOGETHER 

LOVE 

Christmas is the celebration of the infinite love of God for mankind. “For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life” (John 3:16). 

We have to share this love of God by making sacrifices for the good of others, as Christ made the sacrifice for our salvation - the best way to show love for someone is to die for him. We have to be attentive to the needs of others and share with each other - in response God's love - what God has blessed us with. Therefore, our Christmas greetings should come from hearts to touch the hearts of the others, and not just from lips to ears. Likewise, the gifts we offer at Christmas should come from our hearts, first, and not just from our wallets - God values what comes from the heart, because it comes from him and gives him glory. 

MERCY 

Christmas is the celebration of the mercy of God, for a sinful world. So, the scriptures say in John 3:17, “God did not send his Son into the world to be its judge but to be its Savior” Therefore, to celebrate Christmas we must first admit that we are sinners - and, so do well to receive the sacrament of Confession. Thereafter, we should pay back good for good, by showing mercy and compassion to those who offend us (Matthew 6:14); and this, so that our new joy in Christ may be complete and perfect. 

HUMILITY 

Christmas is the celebration of the humility Christ, whom we are called to follow and to imitate. Thus, the scriptures say, “She (Virgin Mary) gave birth to her first Son, wrapped him in strips of cloth, and laid him in a manger – there was no place for them to stay in the inn” (Luke 2:7). As it is, the path of humility is the path to greatness (James 4:6; Philippians 2:8-9). And let no one be misled - humility is not a sign of weakness or inferiority,  it is the wisdom and strength of God. 

OBEDIENCE 

Christmas is the celebration of the obedience of Jesus Christ to his Father - a virtue we must imitate to become true Christians. Thus the scriptures say, “The attitude you must have is the one that Christ Jesus had: he always had the nature of God but he did not think that by force he should try to remain equal with God. Instead, of his own free will he gave up all he had and took the nature of a servant. He became like a human being and appeared in human likeness. He was humble and walked the path of obedience all the way to death – his death on the cross” (Philippians 2:5-8) 

SUBMISSION 

Christmas is also to celebrate the submission of the Virgin Mary to the will of God for her to be the Mother of his Son. So, it is written, "“I am the Lord's servant“, said Mary, "may it happen to me as you have said". And the angel left her"" (Luke 1:38). Equally, the celebration of Christmas honors Joseph - the spouse of the Virgin Mary and foster father of Jesus Christ -  for his obedience, integrity and attentiveness to the child Jesus. For whoever celebrates a new born baby, must also celebrate the parents of whom the baby is born. 

REPENTANCE 

The celebration of Christmas, therefore, calls us to heed to the exhortation of the Word of God in Isaiah 55:6-7, "Turn to the Lord and pray to him now that he is near. Let the wicked leave their way of life and change their way of thinking. Let them turn to the Lord our God ; he is merciful and quick to forgive." Thus the material preparation for Christmas: the fancy of new clothes, and the enjoyment of eating and drinking must not overshadow the real feast -  the celebration of a new life in Jesus Christ. 

GREETINGS FROM THE HEART 

RECONCILIATION 

Thus, imitating the love, obedience and humility of Jesus Christ - in prayer and meditation - enables us to be born again of the Holy Spirit. Then we can experience the light, peace and goodness of God everyday in our lives. Salvation has come - let's make hay while the sun shines. 

May the grace of Immanuel fill your soul and may the light of the incarnate Word direct the angels and wise men to visit you on Christmas day! AMEN 

Author: Aying Godman, is a Catechist, Evangelist & Writer of the Roman Catholic Church in Cameroon.

Email   ayinggodman@gmail.com

Copyright (c) Aying Godman (2021) All rights reserved