THIS CHRISTMAS ~ Precious Victor Akah

Christmas is a globally celebrated event that transcends religious boundaries. I've come to realize that it's an event people of different religions put aside their religious differences to celebrate. While some may not celebrate Christmas on December 25th or may only focus on themes of love, sharing, and gift-giving, the essence of the celebration remains rooted in the birth of Jesus, whether they acknowledge it or not.

Christmas stands out as a religious event that almost everyone (from different religious backgrounds) come together to celebrate. (Hold on, I'll prove that in a bit, continue reading please).

This universal celebration proves what the Bible says that JESUS IS THE LORD OF ALL. Jesus indeed is the Lord of ALL (all human beings on earth). Whether or not they're aware of it or accept it, this remains an undeniable truth. One day, everyone will come to this realization.

Based on research I conducted on this subject (and I encourage you to do your own if you're skeptical), here's an overview of how Christmas is perceived across different religious contexts:

Christianity: Christmas is a central religious holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

Islam: Muslims generally do not celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday, as they do not recognize Jesus as the Son of God but rather as a prophet. However, some Muslims join in the festive atmosphere or recognize the cultural aspects.

Judaism: Jews do not celebrate Christmas because it is not part of their religious tradition. However, some Jewish families participate in secular holiday traditions like decorating their homes or exchanging gifts, especially in predominantly Christian countries.

Hinduism and Buddhism: While Christmas is not a religious holiday in these traditions, some Hindus and Buddhists partake in the secular aspects of the holiday, especially in regions where it is widely celebrated.

In summary, while Christmas is not universally celebrated as a religious event across all faiths, its secular and cultural aspects are often embraced by people from various religious backgrounds, especially in multicultural societies.

Thus, I believe it is accurate to say that Christmas is celebrated by many across different religions, affirming that Jesus Christ is indeed Lord of all, with or without their acknowledgment. The fact that people set aside their religious differences to honor the birth of Jesus reveals that there is something supernatural about Jesus Christ. No other religious leader receives such attention and celebration on their birthday from people of all faiths, which speaks to the reality that Jesus Christ is more than just a religious figure; He is the Son of God. He is GOD.

Whether you plan to celebrate Christmas this year as a Christian or non-Christian, I want to share a profound truth with you: Jesus Christ came into the world, born of a virgin—a significant event. He came to fulfill our need for a Savior, someone to rescue us from our sins and its grave consequences of eternal separation from God in hell.

No religion offers the promise of forgiveness and freedom from sin and its repercussions in this life and the next as the Christian faith does. Jesus was crucified, died, and rose again to grant us liberation from the power of sin and the fate of eternal death.

As you celebrate Christmas, I encourage you not to miss out on the gift that Jesus offers: salvation from sin and the promise of eternal life. If you would like to receive this precious gift today, please pray this prayer with me: 

"Lord Jesus, thank You for coming into the world to die for my sins and resurrecting so that I may have eternal life. Today, I accept You as my personal Lord and Savior. Come into my life and renew me. Make me Your child. I choose to serve, worship, and follow You all the days of my life. Thank You for saving my soul, in Jesus' Name I pray, Amen!"

Congratulations on making this significant decision today! Now you can celebrate Christmas for what it truly represents. As you embrace Jesus, I encourage you to share His message with others this Christmas so they too can experience the joy of knowing and serving Him.

Live in love and harmony with everyone, and take time to study the Bible to deepen your knowledge and understanding of Jesus and how to live a life that pleases Him, ensuring your place in Heaven when your time on Earth is complete.

Jesus is good. Enjoy His goodness this Christmas and beyond. May He bestow upon you abundant blessings this season as He becomes your Lord and Savior.

ELIZABETH ISINKA writes:

Christmas is a sacred season that reminds us of the greatest gift humanity has ever received (Jesus Christ). It is not about the glimmer of lights, endless parties, or fleeting fun but the profound truth that God came down to dwell among us, offering hope in the midst of despair.

It is a divine reminder of the greatest love story ever told. At its heart, Christmas is about Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who left His throne in heaven to dwell among us. His birth, foretold by prophets, was the fulfillment of God’s promise to redeem humanity from sin and death.

Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus, the Savior of the world, whose arrival brought salvation to all. It is a time to reflect on His unconditional love, a love so overwhelming that He willingly died for our sins, ensuring that we can have eternal life. As John 3:16 declares, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This season is a celebration of hope, for through Jesus, light shines in our darkest moments, bringing salvation to all who believe.

However, in today’s world, the true meaning of Christmas is often lost in the frenzy of shopping, partying, and fleeting pleasures. While it is not wrong to enjoy the season, we must remember the sacredness of this time. Jesus came to reconcile us with God, to show us the depths of divine love, and to call us to a life of righteousness. It is vital that we celebrate Christmas with reverence and gratitude, not indulgence. Romans 12:1 reminds us, "Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." Let us ensure our actions reflect our faith in Him.

This Christmas, let us embrace Christ’s example by sharing love and kindness with those around us, especially the less privileged. Jesus Himself taught us to care for the needy, saying, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40). Instead of focusing solely on personal pleasures, let us find joy in giving, comforting, and serving others, glorifying God in the process. Our acts of love become a testament to the world of the transformative power of Christ's birth.

Furthermore, Christmas is not a time for indulgence in vices or superficial pleasures like hookups or reckless partying. Such actions contradict the message of love and salvation that Jesus represents. The celebration of His birth calls for purity and reflection on the extraordinary sacrifice He made for us. Philippians 2:8 reminds us that Christ "humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross." Let us honor His humility and sacrifice by living in a way that reflects His holiness and love.

As we gather with loved ones this Christmas, let us center our hearts on the true reason for the season—Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of hope, love, and salvation, and His birth changed the course of history forever. May this season inspire us to live out His love daily, share His hope with the world, and celebrate with hearts full of gratitude. Let us glorify God not just with our words but with our lifestyle, making Christmas a time of reverence and meaningful worship.

BARBARA BOMBEY writes:

THIS CHRISTMAS: Celebrating a Love That Holds Us Together.

Amidst the festivity, noise, and distractions, it’s easy to forget WHAT we are celebrating. THIS CHRISTMAS, let’s remember that it’s not just about the gifts, the meals, or the decorations—but about the gift of WHO came to earth for us. Jesus, the embodiment of God’s love, reminds us of our worth and our purpose. WHAT we celebrate is His love, and it’s a love that heals and transforms us, thus calling us to see beyond the surface and embrace the truth of who we are in Him.

THIS CHRISTMAS, let’s look beyond the distractions and focus on WHAT really matters—our identity in Christ. No matter what we’re facing, THIS CHRISTMAS offers us a moment to pause, reflect, and rediscover the depth of God’s love for us. His love is what sustains us, fills us, and shapes us into who we are always meant to be. Let’s embrace that truth and share His love with those around us, making THIS CHRISTMAS a time of spiritual renewal and growth.

QUEEN ERIKWE writes:

You may have seen too many Christmas celebrations that its significance may have diminished in your heart. I write to tell you of something that you may already know. Christmas is a celebration of your love story - God's love story. The story of how The-One-Who-Can-Do-Anything, of all things chose to pursue you. "But Christ proved God's passionate love for us by dying in our place while we were still lost and ungodly". [Romans 5:8, TPT].

This season (and beyond), I urge you to share your love story so that others may fall in love too, not just with your story, rather with The Person - Jesus Christ. Share your story in words. Share your story in deeds. Be unapologetic. Be creative. Be intentional. Many people will never know love until they meet Jesus. Some people may not encounter Jesus until they meet you. Share your love story, today. If you don't already have one, I invite you to start now. After all, He (Jesus) first loved you. (1 John 4:19b) He loves you, intentionally.

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From all of us, we wish you and your family a MERRY CHRISTMAS in advance! Please share this with a friend, colleague, or loved one to help them prepare adequately for the upcoming season, as you have been blessed and made ready for this joyous time."

Stay blessed.