As we celebrate another Christmas, one may be prompted to ask, what is the secret that surrounds this season, which makes it to stand out as a much anticipated time of the yearly cycle? In answering this question, we will have to trace it back as to what happened on that very first Christmas and why the spirit of the season has been repeating itself over the centuries ever since. This way, we will be able to understand how we who are living in this 21st century can play our part in ensuring the continuity of this blessed season.
Some, ground breaking events happened on that first Christmas. Christians all over the world believe that on that happy morn, God’s greatest gift to humanity was born in the person of Jesus Christ! Jesus Christ is the greatest gift personifying God’s goodness and mercy to humankind. With this gift, was released the spirit of goodness, mercy and giving, which are the hallmarks of this special time. Isn’t it any wonder that everyone looks outwardly during this season as to how they could make others happy; how they can put a smile on the face of their loved ones by giving them a choice gift! We try to out give each other in giving, because it is the spirit of the season that compels us to be generous and think more about others and the less fortunate, reiterating the fact that the reason for the season is, ‘Mary’s Boy Child Jesus Christ!’
Secondly, on that first Christmas, a host of angels adorned the mid night skies of Bethlehem and sang to a group of lowly shepherds with their heavenly voices ringing – ‘Joy to the world the Lord has come!’ With that song, the spirit of good tidings of great joy was released upon planet earth. Ever since, over the centuries, the Christmas season fills the air and hearts of humanity with resounding carols that make us experience the joy and peace that only heaven can give. Whenever carols are sung with meaning, they make the air so refreshingly pure. As carols are sung all over the world in one accord, they charge the very atmosphere in which we live with positive energy that ushers in interventions and breakthroughs only heaven can deliver! Then, came the wise men who travelled afar to worship baby Jesus! These wise men captured the essence of this season because their one aim was to worship Christ the King! And, God rewarded their quest by divinely directing and guiding them by a star, which kept moving until it came and stood where the child was laid. Jesus’ breaking into history opened up a fresh and new way for everyone to enter into God’s presence and daily receive direction and guidance.
Whether we realize it or not, during every Christmas heaven comes a little closer to our door steps. There is a shift in the atmosphere. God comes in search of His own, to minister His goodness and mercy to every man and woman. Just as the angelic host came in search of the shepherds on that cold winter night, angels on assignment are released, to minister to those who yield their will to God. Just as the wise men were directed by a bright moving star in the skies, during this season, God is in the landscape of our lives, guiding all of us through His Spirit’s insight. All this calls for a big round of celebration, as the winds of God sweep over mankind with His goodness which resonates throughout the year until it is time for yet another Christmas!
This Christmas, as the fragrance of the new paint and fresh polish filters the air; as we go singing carols and relishing on freshly baked cakes, let us be quick to spread the true spirit and fragrance of Christmas in the hearts and minds of people that cross our path including our families and friends. Let us become a gift to the less fortunate. Let us usher in tidings of great joy into broken lowly lives and situations. Let us be the light in a dark and hopeless world where there is no hope. Thus, our worship becomes meaningful as we spread the true meaning of Christmas!
(The writer is a HRD practitioner)