Many years ago when I worked in retail, I remember how shocked I was when we were informed that a whole section of the department store was going to be converted to a Christmas hall by the end of August. End of August? I asked a colleague, just to be sure I heard right and yes, end of August it was and we were launching our Christmas hall: from trees to ornaments,  snowfalls and all sorts of decorations,  the Christmas hall did smell and look like ‘Christmas’ in August. 

Today, Christmas for many has become such a stressful time, a time to meet the high demand and expectation of the season.  A time to put up a front so others can imagine us fairing well , people have succumbed to all manner of pressure just to keep up a good appearance,  pressure of debts, just to afford a certain type of ‘Christmas’.  Some families, in their struggle not to disappoint their children, have gone through the unimaginable, while others have used this season as an excuse for wasteful expense and living.

With these as the trend for the season, one is tempted to ask, what the point really is for all the hassle just for one day? You see, the book of Luke 2 gives us a true reason for Christmas celebrations.

“But the angel reassured them, saying, “Don’t be afraid, for I have come to bring you good news, the most joyous news the world has ever heard! And it is for everyone everywhere! [11] For today in Bethlehem, a rescuer was born for you. He is the Lord YAHWEH, the Messiah.” Luke 2:10-11 TPT

The birth of baby Jesus was referred to by the angel as the most joyous news the world has ever heard!

Can you imagine that ? Now, imagine what you would consider to be joyous  news that could get you all excited. Would it be  getting your dream job, buying and living in your dream house, getting the lady to say yes, finishing and publishing that manuscript,  having that baby, becoming a grandparent… these are all joyful news to different people depending on where they are at yet the news about the birth of Jesus is way more exciting than these or any other news you might think of, IT IS THE MOST JOYOUS NEWS EVER TOLD!

You see, the birth of Jesus was and is joy to every human being. Christmas is not a religious celebration observed by a bunch of people who have nothing better to do towards the end of the year, but Christmas is the day when the RESCUER of all humanity was born. Some translations of the bible call him SAVIOUR.  That’s Jesus’ purpose on earth, to rescue the world from sin.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 NLT

God came down in the form of a human being, so He could bring you up to the original form which he created you, the form of God. ( Genesis 1: 26-27 ).

God came to make peace with you. He came to be on your side, not against you. That’s why he is called Immanuel, God with us ( Matthew 1: 22- 23 ).

This is joyous news because all you have to do is to receive his gift of salvation.  It is a gift, it is free and it is for everyone. 

That’s why Christmas is for everyone because baby Jesus was not born for a selected few. He was born for everyone.
So this Christmas,  do not withhold your cheer, because it is not about what you have on your food table or the gift under the tree but about what has been given to you, the gift of life, the gift of God being with you, you have God on your side but if you haven’t received this gift before, what better time than now and all you have to do is say “I receive your gift of salvation and I thank you for it” and there, you have it! The greatest gift of all inside of you, eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Hallelujah. 

Now, having this most important gift, every other thing is an addition.
So yes, it is okay to have a wonderful celebration with friends and family if you have the opportunity. After all, it is a joyous occasion.

Have a merry Christmas

Love in Christ
Kingdom ❤️