ARCHBISHOP ABEGUNRIN

The Bible says that “when the appointed time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman to redeem those under the law.” (Gal 4:4). This is indeed a beautiful message, a goodness for mankind because without any effort on our part, the birth of Jesus changed the course of history; our destiny changed from condemnation to redemption. Indeed, such a birth is worth celebrating. Hence, it is not surprising that the birth of Christ is the most celebrated birth in all of human history. This speaks about the person of Jesus, our Emmanuel. Indeed, we are glad God sent His Son to become one with us.  Now that He has come, we must welcome Him with all we’ve got.

Christmas is also the most profitable season in the world. Its impact is no longer on Christians alone, but all humanity and all celebrate it.  At this moment in our life, we need something good to celebrate and nothing comes close to the Birth of Jesus. It is our celebration of hope, of new life and a better future. It is always a celebration of joy in the midst of the sorrows of the world. It is the celebration of the triumph of light over darkness. Of us, the Bible speaks, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light and on those in the shadow of death, a light has shone.” (Is 9:2). Christmas is a celebration of Joy, I wish everyone in the world and especially in war-torn countries and in Nigeria, will take a break and experience the peace and joy of the Infant king.

There is no doubt that our nation is also groping in darkness especially with the incessant killings and kidnappings. Economic hardship has also made things difficult for many people. Yet, we must not allow darkness and hatred to defeat us. To God belongs victory, hence we celebrate at Christmas, the arrival of the Messiah into our world.

This is how to celebrate the birth of Christ: Praise God, thank him for this wonderful gift. We must assume the disposition of the shepherds and in all humility go to the manger to worship the Newborn king. Then, share the joy of Christmas with others, especially the poor and the needy. Spread peace, actively become an agent of peace. The angels announced, “Peace to people of Good will.” We need to help create a new environment of peace. The benefit of this will come back to all of us.  Since Jesus is the reason for the season, it is imperative that we keep Him in the season, that is, Jesus must remain the focus for the season. For instance, what we do for God is far more important than what we do for ourselves.

Christians must reclaim the true meaning of Christmas by not just focusing on the decorations and the beautiful light and even the exchange of gifts, we must find time for Jesus, to be with Him and adore Him.  I invite everyone able, to go to Mass on Christmas day. It has been said that the best way to celebrate Christmas is to keep the Mass in Christmas. For Catholics, this is indeed a good advice since the Mass is the best prayer we can participate in and also because at Mass, Christ Himself comes down to us. Hence, at Christmas Mass, it is a double coming down and our welcoming must also be all the more intensified.

Christmas is also a family celebration. At Christmas, we focus on the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, we must gather together as families and celebrate love and our salvation in Christ.

Our families need redemption, hence divine visitation is required, and this period offers us the opportunity to devote our family life to God. Let us truly make our families like the family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. In fact, in the face of the challenges facing family life today, Christmas calls us to rediscover the joy and blessing of family life. Let us not repeat the mistakes of the first coming of Christ, when the inns were filled, and no one opened the door to their homes for Him. He found a warm welcome only at the Manger. Let us do things differently at this Christmas. Open your heart and your home to the Newborn King and experience the joy of life.

Merry Christmas is the ancient greeting at Christmas, and it is because Christmas brings merriment and cheers. It is thus very much in order to do things that bring fun and joy. Consequently, reach out to others, send them warm greetings of the season. Remember your long-forgotten friends, the aged in your family and community. Surprise someone you have not talked to in a long while by sending a Christmas greeting or message. Put a smile on someone’s face and the birth of Christ would have fulfilled its purpose again.

I wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. “Odun a yabo!”