Opinions of Saturday, 23 December 2017

Columnist: Evangelist Samoa Mensa

If Jesus is not the reason for your celebration, then Christmas is idolatry

Christmas should be a time to remember the birth of Christ and celebrate him Christmas should be a time to remember the birth of Christ and celebrate him

I prayed to God seeking for answers to some Christian practices my generation were born to meet. One of which included Christmas. I asked God, "Is it deceit?", " Is the day actually when Jesus was born?". These were my main concerns and I sought for answers from God.

The genuine and ever true Holy Spirit enlightened me using a son who honours his mother every day with love, respect, selfless service and also showers expensive gifts on mum everyday throughout the year. If the day of the mum's birthday comes and it escapes the son to say happy birthday or to wish mum well, obviously the mother will not be grieved nor be angry at her son.

Yes, no sane mother would be.

This is because the son shows love to her every day in the year, including the day of her birthday too.

At that time, God was trying to tell me not to be bothered about what actually the date of Christ's birth was - whether humanity has been misled by the ancient or Roman calendar or not. Whether the baby Jesus was born on a December 25, May 14 or February 6; I am not bothered now.

Because Jesus has been, ever since there was existence. No man knows the day nor anything about the moment existence began. "So let no one make rules about what you eat or drink or about your holy days or the New Moon Festival or the Sabbath. All such things are only a shadow of things in the future; the reality is Christ.” Colossians 2:16.

If Christians live life every day to remember Jesus, we have more than celebrated His birth. To gather the masses to accept Christ and practice the standards He taught men and also bear the fruits of His Spirit must be Christmas and ought to be done every day and not only this season - Masses for Christ, Christ mass. Evangelism must be at the centre. (see Mathew 9:35-38, Galatians 5:21-25.)

However, as we prefer to specially celebrate the birth of baby Jesus every December, the please beware of these symbols and identities the world has associated with this season. I think you ought to know so you may tread carefully in order not to be misled by the devil.

Our lessons and carols nights and services turn out to be entertainment, pleasure boats. We hardly talk about Christ's reality; only fun making, laughter and mockery plays and drama.

Has it occurred to you the triangular and pyramidal shape of the Christmas souvenir you just bought? Pyramid of manipulation - vessels of fear and confusion. Do not breed darkness in your room. Please, beware!

Should this season lead people who know Jesus into careless drunkenness and alcoholism? No.

I tell you, if Jesus is not at the centre of the celebration, it is Idolatry.

Brethren, if we allow ourselves to be directed by the Holy Spirit, we will know that if we indeed are celebrating birth of Jesus Christ, then it’s prudent to practice the fullness of His standards in a season like this; by extending mercy to others, sharing with others, forgiving others, caring for others, lending a helping hand to the poor, needy, neglected and most importantly telling the lost about Jesus; all in the name of the Person we are celebrating, Jesus Christ, as He taught us. (see Mathew 25:31-40.)

We may celebrate Christmas not because of the season, but, because Jesus is the reason for every day. Yes, not only this season, The Holy Spirit has taught me to celebrate Jesus Christ every day.

Let Jesus be the reason for this season: As He is the reason for every day.

Happy every day to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!