Introduction

The World has become so commercialized in the celebration of Christmas by having parties, getting drunk, Christmas tree lighting, Christmas decorations, purchasing and exchanging expensive gifts. Let us focus on the real reason for Christmas by which is the birth of Jesus Christ over 2,000 thousand years ago. We can honour this birth by living the way God wants us to live.

Celebrate the Birth by Glorifying God

First of all, let us use this opportunity to celebrate the birth of Christ with your family and church by praising and worshipping God. I know growing up on South Caicos, we had Christmas programs depicting the story of the birth of Christ. Let us continue with this in our churches. Also, at home, rather than focusing on gifts exchange, focus on the real gift which is the birth of Christ. Tell the story about birth of Jesus or watch a movie about the birth Jesus.

Continue with the tradition of singing Christmas carols. This is a great way to worship God for the birth of Jesus Christ.

Finally, whatever we do, do it to the glory of God. Too many times, many of us use the Christmas occasion for partying and drinking but as stated in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “so whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Live by Loving One another.

I wrote an article a few months ago on Love and I stated that the answers to most of our issues in life is for us to love one another. In fact, it is because of God’s love for us, Jesus Christ was born. Then of course, Jesus greatest commandment is for us to love the Lord with all of our heart, with all of thy soul and with all of thy mind. His second commandment is to love your neigbours as yourself.

As we reflect on the birth of Jesus, why don’t we make a recommitment to love God and to love one another. If we do this, then we should have less issues in this world. There is too much hatred and jealousy in this world but if we sincerely make an effort to demonstrate the same love that God did for us, this world will be at peace and in a better place.

Do not let your allegiance to political parties or loyalty to your country or your preference for a particular race or colour drive you to hatred. If you find yourself moving in that direction, rise up and ask God for forgiveness and then aim to love others.

Live by the Fruit of Spirit

Nowadays it is very hard to identify a Christian because of the way some Christians live. The word Christian came from Christ and so as we reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ, let us examine the way we live.

Let us live by the fruit of Spirit which is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control”. (Galatians 5:22-23). Therefore, as Christians, we need to display the characters of the fruit of the Spirit.

Be joyful at all times. In fact, the word of God says count it joy when we face trials. Do not panic or worry when facing trials.

Be at peace with one another and be at peace in your situation whether you are sick or not or whether you have money or not or whatever your circumstances are.

I know we want things immediately and so sometimes we make decisions quickly. However, as children of God, learn to be patient for God will come to your rescue.

Be kind and good to one another. If you are in position where you can help the less fortunate, please do so. Do not brag about what you do for people in public. It is not a character of Christ. Being kind does not always mean giving someone money or things. It also means to respect people, to be good to people no matter who they are and to share information that can help others to be better.

Be faithful to God. Being faithful obviously requires having faith. In fact, faith is one of the principles on which Christianity is based. If you have faith, you should not be living a life full of fear or worrying.

Be gentle.  God wants us to be gentle in our dealings with others. He also does not want us to be arrogant and full of ourselves.

Have self-control. It is important for us practice self -control otherwise we will find ourselves yielding to the flesh which will result in you making mistakes such as sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, faction and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.

Conclusion

Whatever you do, do not take the birth of Jesus Christ lightly.  Had it not been for the birth of Jesus Christ, our lives would not be the same. If you are a Christian, do not get caught up in the commercialization of Christmas. A few years ago, my wife had decided to stop using Christmas tree in our home. I didn’t agree with her at that time as I wanted the Christmas tree for the children as I did not have one growing up but the more, I look at it and as I write this article, it became clear to me that I was losing my focus on the celebration of the birth of Jesus.

I challenge all of us to refocus our thoughts on the celebration of Christmas by living a life that God wants us to live.

Merry Christmas Everyone.