Christmas is a season of love, peace and progress. It is the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the son of God, the Lord, Savior and Redeemer of man. Jesus Christ was not born in a grand palace, neither was He born to a very wealthy or learned parents. Jesus Christ was born in a manger; a simple lowly place, a corner of a stable, to humble and poor parents who had nothing to boast about, except their own spotless character and holiness.

The birth of the Messiah was prophesized over seven centuries before His arrival by almost all the prophets of old. In fact, Prophet Isaiah put it succinctly in Isaiah chapter 9 verse 6 thus: ‘‘For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and government shall be upon his shoulder and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace’’.

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.

The basic massage of Christmas is therefore the announcement that God, The Almighty creator of the universe, has come into the world in the human form of a person whose birth name is Jesus Christ. This is the news of God’s incarnation in human flesh. 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 begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life”. To believe in Jesus is to repent from our old ways and accept Him as our Lord and Personal saviour; therein, we are assured of the kingdom of God. So, as we celebrate the birth of Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, we should not turn it to a festival that will lead one into hell.

In essence, the gift of Jesus Christ is worth celebrating and the sharing of God’s love to the world is worth repeating over and over again in gifts and contributions. However, Christians need to make sure that our Christmas celebrations are for the glory of God and nothing else. Non Christians, should, at this time, endeavor to make peace with God by accepting His Son as their Lord and Personal saviour, which assures them of eternity.

A number of Christians, often convert the Christmas Day to an Orgy of drinking sprees, fornication, stealing, kidnapping, violence and careless driving. This is not the essence of Christmas. Whatever we do must be to the glory of God, who sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to save and redeem humanity from all negative tendencies.

As we mark Christmas today, the message of the festivity must be imprinted in our minds and seen in our actions. Christmas is you, when you decide to be born again 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 can be 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, 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, malice, 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 Governor Willie Obiano 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. Therefore, let us not offend God in the merriment.

HAPPY CELEBRATION.

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