This week news commentary focuses on lessons of Christmas
Michael Akintunde
December the 25th every year, Christians the world over celebrate Christmas, which is in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
It is by far the most important Christian festivity. Every year, Christians look forward to it with great expectation. Many would adorn their homes and offices with Christmas lights and different decorative linens. In developed climes, the exteriors of homes would also be adorned with Christmas trees and lights to create an atmosphere of celebration in expectation of Christmas on the the 25th.
Jesus Christ was God’s plan of bringing salvation to mankind. In spite of being the son of God, he wasn’t born in a rich home, but ordinary everyday people who couldn’t even afford a better birthplace for Jesus than a manger – a smelly manger for the only son of God.
This was the first lesson in the birth of Jesus Christ, that a man’s beginning has nothing to do with his potentials or where he could reach in life. What this teaches us is never to look down on anyone and that there is promise in a humble beginning.
In spite of the smelly manger and the location, three wise men sought Jesus out with gifts. Therein is the second lesson of his birth that location has nothing to do in determining the success of a man.
In spite of being the only son of God filled with great power, not once did he get into his head and he never, even though he could, used his power for evil. Rather, he preached the message of peace and was imparting miracles every where he went.
He testified to this in Luke chapter 6, from verse 27 to verse 31:
“But I say unto you which hear, love your enemies, do good to them which hate you. Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak, forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise”.
In these words, he teaches humility that is seeped not in powerlessness in the face of travail, but humility which recognises that restraint in using power does not amount to powerlessness. He also teaches submission, which many consider weakness today, but is love that accepts discipline and recognises the humanity in others.
Jesus Christ also teaches benevolence and looking out for one another in sharing. This is the message of Christmas and it is most fitting for a time like this when Nigeria is battling recession, insecurity, inflation and many more.
The place of Jesus’ birth is a reminder that there is no shame in lack and that at this Christmas, we must not live above our means to impress anyone. We must celebrate according to our purse, with the thought that better days are ahead.
For those who have enough or more than enough, let us abide by the biblical injunction of spreading love at this time with whatever we have, for in that is the essence of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Adaba FM wishes you a merry Christmas.
