It's been over three decades of Christmases for me in Nigeria, and by God's grace, I have had memorable experiences in all of those years, especially those of my childhood.

Christmas season in Nigeria can at times be crazy and full of razzmatazz. Most people here see Christmas as a festive celebration that must be flamboyant and elaborate, rather than a time of sobriety and holiness. Consequently, it is often characterized by many evils and iniquity.

Oddly, most believers, who are supposed to be light at Christmas, can hardly be distinguished from unbelievers in the manner in which they celebrate and comport themselves. They just celebrate Christmas exactly as those in the world celebrate; they focus on the eating, drinking, and merriment only, and forget Jesus, who is the reason for the season. They neglect holiness and spiritual discipline, and become wild.

2 Corinthians 6:14 – Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers [do not make mismated alliances with them or come under a different yoke with them, inconsistent with your faith]. For what partnership have right living and right standing with God with iniquity and lawlessness? Or how can light have fellowship with darkness? (AMPC)

As Christians, we should be light in the midst of darkness; we ought to teach others in the world how Christmas should be celebrated. We must let Christ who is celebrated be seen in us, and through right living, change every wrong notion about Christmas this season.

Christmas is a period of forgiveness, joy, and peace. It's also a period of soul winning, as sinners must be led to Jesus who is born. It's a period of confession of sin, rededication of ourselves to God, and, finally, charity and love.

Friend, let's refuse to celebrate this Christmas like those in the world.

Matthew 5:16 – Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven. (AMPC)

Prayer: Lord Jesus, may Your love, peace, and joy be our portion and that of our families this season as we celebrate Your birthday. O God, help us to live in a holy and right manner so that Your light in us will be seen by those around us, and so that they may glorify Your name forevermore. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Owen Osa <owengodson1@gmail.com>
Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
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