Exclusive: Nigerian Christians reflect on the significance, true spirit of Christmas celebration
Christmas, an annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, holds profound significance in Christian theology, with Jesus being revered as the Messiah.
This festive occasion stands as a pinnacle of joy for Christians, signifying a time of merriment and love, expressed through the exchange of gifts among neighbours and loved ones.
The celebration unfolds with a spirit of thanksgiving, as Christians express gratitude to the Lord for safeguarding them throughout the year.
Central to the festivities are the vibrant decorations, illuminations, and artistic adornments gracing buildings, streets, homes, and offices.
Amidst the jubilant atmosphere, Christians extend warm season greetings to one another, fostering a sense of shared excitement.
In this report, Nigerian Christians offer insights into maintaining the essence of Christmas while staying true to its spiritual significance.
Speaking with Afri Reporters, they articulate the expectations and activities integral to a meaningful celebration for a devout Christian.
Pastor Moses Inih of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) articulates, “Christmas, a widely recognized annual festival observed by Christians on December 25, marks the commemoration of the birth of Christ.
“My theological perspective on this celebration stems from 1 John 3:5-7, elucidating that Christ’s purpose was to expiate the sins of the entire world, dismantle the works of the devil, and reconcile humanity with God.”
Referring to the biblical context in Luke 1:31-35, Pastor Inih highlights the fulfilment of prophecy, noting that Roman Christians instituted the Christ’s Mass celebration, shaping the enduring tradition of Christmas in Christendom.
“From a religious standpoint, the pre-village, confirmed through our emancipation, emphasizes the imperative of repentance and conversion, as illustrated in Acts 3:19, 26, Acts 15:3, and James 5:19.”
Pastor Inih advises fellow Christians that “Christmas extends beyond mere festivities, urging a thoughtful reflection on the purpose of Christ’s arrival. He advocates for the dissemination of the Word of God with love, mutual prayer, and compassionate consideration for the less privileged”
Furthermore, he stresses the importance of praying for national peace and contributing meaningfully to societal well-being.
In conclusion, Pastor Inih extends blessings, emphasizing the spiritual depth inherent in the Christmas season.
Pastor Olagoke Odejimi maintains that “The significance of Christmas is a date chosen to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ all over the world. To celebrate uniformly the birth of Jesus
“Christmas is not stated in the bible. It is a date chosen by the early Christians to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
“The main duty during this period is to show love to the world, the love God shown to us by sending his Son to the world should be replicated by a devoted Christian
“Christmas is not a show of riches but a show of love to a fellow person irrespective of religious background. It is not a time to be in debt but a time to forgive and show love.”
In her contribution, Johnson Omolola noted that “The significance behind the celebration of Christmas is the fact that a saviour was born many years ago, this birth gives the realisation of identity in Christ as a believer.
“Christmas is observed by believing that Jesus Christ came to save the world and confession is made through the mouth.
“Giving and showing of love. I will advise my fellow Christians to show love to others by sharing gifts, the same way God loved the world and gave His only begotten son, Jesus Christ.”
Olusegun Alli stated, “The significance behind the celebration of Christmas is solely on the fact that God sent Jesus, His only begotten Son, to the world to die in my stead and save me in the process. This shows how loving God is, and how Christmas should be premised on showing love and giving to people. For God so LOVED the world that He GAVE. Love precedes giving.
“Second, because Jesus came to die for the whole world, regardless of religion, we’re the reason for the season.
“First things first, it’s important to state clearly that Christmas wasn’t celebrated among people in the Bible days. It wasn’t until the 4th century, during the reign of Constantine, that it became a celebration.
“That said, Christmas is traditionally celebrated through the exchange of gifts, home decorations, celebration with parties, dedicated prayers and, most importantly, sharing of foods and drinks.
“A devout Christian, during the festive season, reflects on the significance of Christmas and tries as much as they can to demonstrate it to people.
“I urge fellow Christians in and outside Nigeria to felicitate the season with people, knowing full well that they are the reason for the season. Jesus Christ would have come for them if they had been the ones left in the world when He came.”
Oluwaseyi Martins, a Christian, mother and learning solutions provider, stated, “The significance behind the celebration of Christmas is to commemorate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Although history has it that the period was originally devoted to a pagan festival the purpose of Christmas is not to confirm if Christ was born on the 25th of December but to acknowledge that Jesus Christ was born to His earthly parents to save the world from the law of sin.
“Apart from the nativity story where the Bible gives an account of the night Christ was born in. a Manger, there is no biblical reference to Christmas celebrations on a certain day of the year.
“It is a season of giving to the needy around to show that Christ is love, a period to bond with family, a period of thanksgiving for the outgoing year and a time to examine our spiritual life that we are still Christians in deed and truth; that His coming to the world is not in vain.
“Be joyful, regardless of happenings around you. The celebration is not the clothes and assortment of food but the merriment and joy in our hearts, enjoying the company of family and friends, for money can not buy those.”
Dapo Atoki a Lagos-based teacher, said, “The significance of celebrating Christmas is love and selflessness. John 3:16 says ‘for God so love the world and he gave his only begotten son…’ – an expression of love.
“Equally, Jesus said in Mathew 20:28 that he did not come to be served but to serve people and give his life as a ransom to many people.
“He eventually died for the sinners – you and I – an expression of service to the people, servant leadership and selflessness. Ipso facto, the significance of celebrating Christmas is love and selflessness as evident in the life of Jesus Christ.
“Christmas was not celebrated in the bible. Hence, it has no biblical justification. However, in the Bible, the birth of Jesus Christ was celebrated by three wise men, who travelled a very long distance day and night, by presenting gifts to baby Jesus.
“The responsibilities that define a devout Christian during this festive season are giving to the poor, showing love to the needy and the poor and service to humanity as enshrined in the teachings of Jesus Christ.
“My advice to fellow Christians as we approach Christmas is that Christmas is not about dining and wining, it is not about showing off the best in one’s wardrobe.
“Christmas is about identifying the needy and the poor and making them happy by giving them gift items and other things they may need – this is the tenet of Christmas.”
Ibisiki Arete Michael, a teacher, said, “Christmas is widely celebrated to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Significantly, it also symbolizes hope, love and the promise of salvation. Additionally, Christmas is not about santa-claus or merely a season for exchanging gifts but a period to share, tell everyone, and remind ourselves about the reckless love God.
“Interestingly, the Bible does not provide any account or details of observing Christmas traditionally. Rather, 25th December has historical roots and may have been likely influenced by the Roman celebration of winter solstice.
“The Bible’s focus is on the significance of the birth of Jesus Christ, characterized by humility and live.
The traditional observance of Christmas in a religious context often includes special service, Nativity scenes, carol singing, etc
“From a religious stand point a devout Christian often assume these duties: worship and reflection, charitable acts, family and community services, prayer and gratitude. And we should avoid display of materialism, but show acts of love and spread the gospel.
“Lastly, I will advise Christians to reflect and focus on the true meaning of Christmas, spend quality time with loved ones and practice gratitude and show acts of kindness and charity.”
Temitope Adewuyi, a devout Christian, also contributed, “Christmas is a time we celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ —the coming of the savior into this sinful world knowing fully well that He is to die for our sins. It’s a privilege to celebrate our Lord Jesus Christ.
“There is no express instruction on the celebration of Christmas in the Bible but it is recorded in the Bible that three wise men came to give Baby Jesus gifts upon hearing His arrival.
“They have read in the Scriptures that a saviour will be born and it was of honour and privilege that they came to present him gifts.
“In all we do as Christians during this festive season, our primary focus should be all about Jesus —reminiscing on all about Him and His love. It’s a season to share the Love Christ stands for, and show and spread love to all around us.
“It’s important that all Christians understand and know that Christmas is NOT about Santa, relaxing at home, traveling, gifts at all. All those are secondary to accompany the celebration.
“Our primary understanding of the season should not be forgotten Christ is the reason for the season. Have you thought about Him today?”