The redemptive lesson in the story of how Christmas came to be is that for Christendom, Jesus Christ laid down his life and ransomed humanity in order for us to aspire to be better because someone had made a sacrifice for all of us. That sacrifice is what allows Christians to stay in the awe-struck place of knowing that they can fall and rise again and promise to be better because someone paid the ultimate price that we do not perish by virtue of our sins. That we can make good and do so urgently as often as possible and we will be received like new like the prodigal son.
The urgency of repeating this process of making restitution quickly and not taking advantage of the sacrifice of Christ because no one knows when it will all come to an end and that promise to be better while seeking forgiveness was not made before the last call. In a nutshell, do good all the time and try not to remain in sinful ways as the year draws to a close. More importantly, we all know that the risen Christ is the reason for the season. But many forget and are drawn into the commercial headquarters of Christmas where everything is canon fodder. We are expected to exemplify Christ’s humility, honesty, and relationship building but this is when we fleece our customers, this is when we throw honesty overboard and this is the season when we cheat staff, government and everyone in between.
In this season who have you helped? Jesus Christ was going round assisting widows, curing the sick and feeding the poor. Which one have you imbibed? You can afford it so how much joy have you brought to your domestic staff. Your driver, cook, cleaner and Nanny? Even if things are tough, place a smile on someone’s face today and into the New Year. Feed a random person on the street. Provide hot meals for your security. Gift your driver a couple of notes a carton of bottle water and fabric for his wife. Watch the smile grow. This is the reason for the season. Spreading joy. Visit an orphanage, an IDP camp, a shelter for victims of domestic violence. Stop by at hospitals. Take fruits and a carton of drinks. Be amazed how much joy that can bring to a multitude. Do the needful for the Season. Its for family and friends true but you can expand it.
Beyond the physical, which Aunty, friend, Uncle, Parent are you estranged from? Go out of your way and make peace. Life is too short and there is no better time to understand this than in these perilous times. The Coronavirus has reminded us that life can be fleeting. What can be done to keep the peace and have a harmonious world has to be done now. Not tomorrow or next week but today, in the second. One never knows what is buried deep in the recesses of the next moment.
As we go about spreading joy and laughter this season of giving, let us remember that a listening ear can also be a gift to someone who is on the brink of depression, anxiety and even suicide. It is time to walk the talk and keep the words of the bible in our sight. From Pastors to teachers, to friends and family, we can do more to spread happiness and give a helping hand and a listening ear.
In spite of this season of anomie and 2020 being our annus horribilis, being alive and here in the now of Christmas 2020 is a gift, it has been given to a chosen few. Don’t look for too much this year. We made it this far, the Lord of the Season of Christmas will take us further. May you have an incredible day in spite of the year’s toughness… Amen. We have grown in more ways than we thought we could, we have conquered and 2020 Christmas found us here. Wear a nice dress, groom your hair, step out into the light for the reason for the season has given us a reason to cheer. Smile and do the Nigerian thing. Bubble for the belief that it will be better ahead. Tomorrow …e go better. I wish you more in joy and in good health. Better days are ahead. We pray you into those days…loading.
Merry Christmas to you and yours.
