Let’s remember the essence of Christmas
Christmas, the celebration marking the birth of Jesus Christ, has become an international event.
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Its importance informed its inclusion in the world calendar, and at Christmas everyone takes a break from his or her usual activities to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
From being a purely Christian affair, the celebration of Christmas has found significance in the secular world and across other religions.
Christmas, in essence, is a period when Christians pause to reflect on the decision of God to give His Son to the world to atone for the sins of the people.
The Bible says: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Jesus Christ came to the world, was humiliated and later crucified on the cross as a sacrifice for the restoration of the fallen state of man.
As a result, humankind, through the grace that was attained with the sacrificial death of Christ, is restored to God through the acceptance of the teachings of Jesus Christ.
The basis of Christmas and the remembrance of what Christ did is love. Jesus Christ showed love to the sinful world by dying for all.
Therefore, the celebration of the season must be done in love and with practical Christian acts that depict Jesus’ selfless work.
Unfortunately, Christmas, for a good number of people, has become synonymous with licentious living and a lot of depravities.
A lot of indulgences during the period have become so ungodly and it seems the essence of the season has been lost on a good number of people.
The Daily Graphic wishes to admonish all that this period must be used to reflect on the love that Jesus had for mankind that saw Him offering his life as a sacrifice for all, and on the basis of that reflection, commit ourselves to die a little for others.
We must show love to the neglected, excluded and vulnerable who often are left out in programmes for Christmas because they have no loved ones.
But, above all, let us use the period to find ways of making sacrifices for the development of our nation.
If Jesus’ sacrifice opened the door for reconciliation with the Father, then our sacrifices for our dear nation will open doors to address the development challenges that confront us today.
Jesus Christ is the reason for the season and may all that we do reflect His holiness.
The Daily Graphic wishes all Ghanaians a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.