Philip Verghese ‘Ariel’
Christmas is fast approaching. In December 24th night people the world over will celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. This central event in history divided the calendar into B C (Before Christ) and A.D. (Anno Domini- “In the Year of Our Lord”). He was born to die. The meaning of His name is “He will save His people from their sins” (in Hebrew— “Jesus” means “Saviour” Matthew 1:21). The prophets foretold His birth years before it took place. Isaiah the Prophet predicted it in 740 B.C. (Isaiah 9:6, and 7:14). Prophet Micah also predicted the same event in 742 B.C. (Micah 5:2). Christ’s sufferings too were described beforehand by Isaiah
(Isaiah Chapter 52:13- 53:12). The very purpose of Christ’s coming to earth is to die for the sins of mankind.
The recent movement to replace the word Christmas by other names in America and Britain is an interesting development. In America the conservative argue that Christmas as become almost a dirty word in a politically correct society. The recent report says that almost the similar situation arising in Britain too.
In this connection let us look at the reality. What exactly the Bible says about such celebrations. The Bible has not given any importance to the birthday celebrations. The great Prophets of the Bible Job and Jeremiah have cursed their birthdays (Job 3:1-11, and Jeremiah 20: 14-15). In the whole Bible only two birth celebrations are mentioned, one in the Old Testament, that is of the Pharaoh, a heathen King and another one in the New Testament that is, Herod the cruel and ungodly King. On both these occasions some tragic events took place. On Pharaoh’s birthday, he hanged his chief baker (Genesis 40: 20-22) and on Herod’s birthday he beheaded a godly and innocent person ‘John the Baptist’, the forerunner of Jesus Christ. ( Mark 6:21-28).
But remembering Christ’s birth in a special way on a particular day of the year is certainly not a sin as long as it is done in the right manner and in the right spirit without bringing dishonor to God. But giving too much importance to that particular day is not good, because God had made all days equal and wants people to worship Him in the same tempo and manner on all the other days of the year as well.
Many celebrate Christmas without Christ in their heart. Unless Christ is born in the heart, no one can meaningfully celebrate Christmas and really experience the full joy of the occasion. Can Christmas be a celebration without Christ? With Christ dwelling inside, one can celebrate Christmas not only on 25th December but every day of his life.
At Christmas we tend to give much importance and priority to getting new clothes, decorating our houses, singing carols, preparing delicacies and savories. Often the main person, who is the cause of the celebration, is forgotten and out of the picture. We have no time or rather do not take pains to think about Him, His great teachings and His great sacrifice. Rather we take this opportunity to amuse ourselves and entertain our friends and relatives many times in an unholy way which brings dishonor to His name as well as to our faith. Instead, let us celebrate this awesome occasion in a worthy manner as the shepherds who were glorifying God (Luke 2:20) when they
received the news.
Jesus never asked his followers to remember His Birth instead he commanded his followers to remember His DEATH. This is very clearly mentioned in the book of Luke, …”And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me. Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying this cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you (Luke 22: 19 -20).” This institution is called ‘The Lord’s Supper’ , He has asked the believers to carry out till He comes again. Christians cannot neglect this institution, because it is His commandment. Christians are looking forward to the Lord’s glorious appearing the second time. Instead of wasting time, money and energy on merry-making and celebrations why not take the opportunity to tell others about His first coming and His very purpose for it. Let us make known the teaching of the Lord to many who do not yet know Him even after almost 2000 years of His coming. Weave into the celebration the great truth that Jesus came to save.
A survey says the greatest number of accidents takes place on the eve of Christmas . What does it shows? People go about it in an unworthy manner that leads to such number of accidents.
(The writer is a free lance writer and an editor of a Christian
magazine published from Secunderabad. He can be reached at: : pvariel@gmail.com
