CHRISTMAS: A SEASON OF “LOVE?”

 CHRISTMAS: A SEASON OF “LOVE?”

Traditionally, apart from Christmas widely regarded as a day on which the birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated, it is a day of public display of merriment! This is indicative of a season in which love is shown abundantly? My cursory look at many Facebook users’ walls proves this reality beyond doubt. Today, in my opinion, sees many more people active on social media, especially this one (Facebook) than most of the previous days, weeks and months of the year. And I am not sure we would have another day better. At the end of all the things people mentioned today on their Facebook walls, there are always one or two of the following conclusions: “Jesus is the Reason for the Season,” “It is a season of love,” “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Christmas,” “Enjoy the Yuletide,” “It’s Jesus’ Birthday,” “Happy Birthday Boy-Jesus,” and many more. 


Many messages today centre around the birth of Christ, the Saviour of mankind and the world. It is true that His birth showcases humility beyond comprehension by the human mind. How can one who is of the same substance with God take human form? Why should He ever do such a thing? This is why many of us believe that if at all there is any reason whatsoever for the celebration, it should be summed in LOVE. Homilies and songs today testify to this reality of Christ's LOVE for humanity which was the reason for which He gave up His position. Today, the preacher in one congregation tagged his sermon, “The Word became Flesh” and demonstrated Christ’s humanity and humility. He challenged us to celebrate the day, Christmas, in view of such grave sacrifice and willingness of Christ to go that extent. Songs today were “feliz navidad” (even though we do not know the meaning? Be sincere, do you know its meaning?), “I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas,” “Joy to the World,” and others centring on “Bethlehem,” the birthplace of Jesus Christ, “the Magi” and their generosity in sharing with Jesus and many other parts of the story of Christ the King.


Christmas as a season of LOVE makes people to share many gifts in common. Starting at about 6 am today, people started calling, texting, visiting and sending and exchanging meals and drinks. Many people who had spent the whole year without even dialing my number called today to wish me and the family a “Merry Christmas.” I received text messages today than I have previously received in the past 12 months!


Today, we had the privilege of eating meals from different close and distant neighbours. Many people who would not ordinarily even answer my “hello” on a good day came wishing me “Merry Christmas.” Imagine! I have now discovered that indeed the day is that of LOVE. It appears then that even unbelievers (enemies?) believe that they ought to be good, at least for the day. The sharing was wonderful! Do not think as if I did not enjoy the “chin-chin,” the rice and stew, the chicken parts and beef. Above all, I enjoyed the 50 cl Pepsi (my favourite drink of course). I wish to have people sharing it with me everyday rather than keep me waiting until Christmas like today. 


Politicians and political appointees in Nigeria use this day to send messages of love and encourage people to live in peace with one another. Many aspirants for elective positions do same. Every form of media in this country has such messages! Now there is nothing wrong in wishing that people live in peace, but why are they not sending those messages everyday? We need the love and peace again and again!


While is it commendable that we commemorate the Birthday of Christ by demonstrating love to one and sundry, I am afraid that many who show love this day would not remember to show same afterwards to people around them. Because we celebrate Christmas once every year and on December 25th, many people do not remember to share in love with their friends and relations before or after the day. Remember that Christ was born over 2000 years ago, yet the effect of such a birth is still felt today. If we claim that it is “a season of love,” let us endeavour to love at other times, too. 


As Christians, the Christ of Christmas expects us to love unconditionally and always and if ours must be “unconditional” and “always,” we have to show and prove it everyday. We do not have to wait until Christmas to show the LOVE. We have to make LOVE a lifestyle!


Like many of you have written, called and texted me to say, I also wish you a Merry Christmas!


Zwandien Bobai

25 December, 2023.

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