THE REASON FOR THE SEASON

All too soon the year is almost ending. Season’s greetings begin to echo around everywhere we go. “Merry Christmas!”, “Afehyia Pa!” among other expressions are the most used jargons for a while until the season is over. Decorations will spring up in many homes, offices, shops, streets, malls, and every little corner. Colors red, green, white among a few other colors will flood the cities of Accra, Kumasi, Cape Coast, Tamale, and many other cities in Ghana and around the world. Like every other year, Christmas is celebrated. But what is the significance of Christmas?

In the Bible, the scared book of Christians, Matthew 1:18-25 narrates the birth of an infant child named Jesus Christ for which reason Christians celebrate the birth of Christ known as Christmas. A date, 25th December was set aside for this occasion although there is no trace of the date in history. Roman Catholics and Protestants were known to celebrate Christmas although it is widely accepted now by some non-Christians.

A pastor once told me that there are many who even in today’s modern world still cannot exactly state their date of birth, yet a lot of these people are celebrated. They are celebrated because of their influence on their generation. In the case of Jesus, his impact transcends the present world. Therefore, his impact on Christians and the fact that their faith is founded on him calls for a celebration. No part of the Bible commands us to celebrate his birth but at his birth, angels celebrated. If angels could celebrate his birth, and the wise men also did, then why can’t we, the beneficiaries of his great plan of salvation also celebrate him?

The festive season has become a season where family and friends come together to make merry, exchange gifts and remember the good things they have had during the year. Aside the merry making, some activities are laid out for the season. Churches organize carol services where Christmas carols are sang and Bible readings are heard in line with the occasion. Families also plan parties and activities to bring the family together after a long year of being away from on another due to circumstances such as work, travel opportunities, and other events that cause people to migrate.

Anytime there is good news, people jump in celebration. Even we as men celebrate the birth of our children and loved ones, why not the Savior, Jesus Christ?

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