WRITTEN BY REV. FR. OBINNA DIKE
Christmas is an annual feast which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated on December 25 in Christendom and culturally across the world,

even among non-Christians. At Christmas, Christians remember how a virgin, called Mary, who conceived through the power of the Most High God, gave birth to a son at Bethlehem of Judea, on a manger, in a chilly winter night.  
The new born child, called Jesus Christ, is also known as Emmanuel, meaning God is with us. This birth of Christ as Emmanuel fulfilled all the prophecies of old that God would visit humanity in a sublime way. The fulfillment of these prophecies at Christmas heralded a new era of joy of God being closer to man through His son, Jesus Christ.
Christmas means joy, hope, favour and freedom. All these are summed up in love as seen in the Christian mantra of John chapter three, verse sixteen, which says, “For God so loved the world that He sent His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish, but may have eternal life”.
The celebration of Christmas is observed in a variety of ways. Christians mark this feast with prayers through advent season preparatory to Christmas. Solemn Holy Masses, special church services and prayers then herald the main event. The celebration of the visit of the Three Wise Men from the East to the Child Jesus, popularly called Epiphany, is also added to Christmas event. Across cultures, Christmas is marked as a big holiday with the decorations of Christmas trees, snow balls, pines, bells, Santa Claus, gifts, eggs, fire places, carols and outdoor activities.
In Anambra, Christmas is celebrated with a lot of pomp and pageantry. Most communities organize religious, social and cultural activities like crusades, bazaar, launching, sports/cultural competitions, meetings, marriage ceremonies, house warming events, Ofala festivals and the like. It is a time of homecoming for majority of families living outside Igboland.
As we mark Christmas today, the message of Christmas must be imprinted in our minds and seen in our actions. According to Pope Francis, the Christmas is you, when you decide to be born again each day and let God into your soul. You are Christmas bell, when you gather to unite instead of sowing seeds of discord. You can be Christmas light, when you illuminate others with kindness, patience, joy and generosity, especially the poor and under privileged. You are the wise men, when you give your best, no matter to whom. The Christmas card is you, when kindness is written in your hands. The Christmas meal is you when you share with others.
As Christmas is homecoming to many, parents must let their children and ward visit and fraternize with other members of their families. Children must be made to know and pronounce correctly, the names of their family, kindred, village, town, Local Government Area and even state.
Communities must put into action the message of love of Christmas by considering moves of peace, forgiveness and reconciliation at their meetings this yuletide, instead of ostracizing, hate, acrimony and fights.
Ndi Anambra who are home this Christmas must adopt a think-home philosophy. They should adopt plans to move Anambra state forward by investing at home. This will complement the efforts of the government and other good people of Anambra in securing the future of our state.
Youth should not give way to over indulgence or exuberance as they celebrate Christmas. Food and recreation must be done with moderation. Indecent behaviours must be shunned this holy season. Property of government and citizens must be protected and not destroyed.
Finally, all that celebrate Christmas should bear in mind that it is the celebration of Christ and not the devil. Merry Christmas to you all.

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