It’s the time of the year for jollification. Different ceremonies and activities here and there. The time when hunger and thirst cease because there is a surplus of foods and drinks.
The road gets very busy because everyone is happy and traveling home to celebrate what is called “Christmas.”
A little pondering on this season and the activities taking place therein makes me ask, “Do we know the Purpose of this Season?”. If you ask many they will reply with great ecstasy, this is the time to reunite with family members in the village or old-time friends. Some others will say it’s that of the year to commemorate the death of their grandpa and grandma.
While others think it’s wedding time. ‘Owanbe’ here and there. All these in themselves aren’t wrong. But what we must ask ourselves is “Are we still in pursuit of the reason for this season?”. You may ask, What is the purpose of the season? Stay calm. I have your answers if you can only be patient.
The Angel of good news told us explicitly in the synoptic account of Jesus by Mathew, “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Mathew 1:21). Hence, the purpose of our celebration this season is because Jesus was born who will not but has saved us from the captivity of sin. Sin was the only problem of man since the fall of man.
It wasn’t money, fame, knowledge, wisdom, riches, sickness, shelter, government. But here comes a little boy born in the Manger who brought about the end of the dominion of sin. Hallelujah! We are no longer bound! He broke all the chains of sin. He bridged the gap between God and man and we can boldly call Him Father, likewise, He can call us sons. We have free access to the father because the veil has been torn.
Is this season for everyone to celebrate? Sadly, it is not for everyone. Why? Jesus himself told us, “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).
Unless you are born again –washed by water and Spirit– you have no reason to celebrate because heaven is still sad (crying) over your life.
You are not recognized by God. Hence, you can’t partake in the things of His Kingdom. You can celebrate if you are His. The Celebrant (Jesus) said, “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine” (John 10:14). He knows who are His and only those who are of Him own this season. He only delights and accepts the praises and worship of His children.
Any worship and praise from a person who is yet to be saved are unacceptable by Him. Celebrating and thanking God for another Christmas without accepting Christ who is the essence of the season is futile. It makes the heart of God bleed and heaven mourns over such individuals. He is beckoning on you again this season to come unto Him.
He said, “I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd”(John.10.16). His sole aim is to see that everyone is saved from every siege. He is calling you again this season. He says, ” Come! Come!! Come!!!”.
