SEELE’s Faith editor, KB Chakela reminds us the true meaning behind Christmas

The festive season is here, a time often marked by Christmas decorations, letters to Santa Claus (or as we call him in South Africa Father Christmas), and spending time with family.  This is the time of the year when many take time off work to rest, relax, and travel.  In South Africa, December is synonymous with summer, so most people are outside.

However, as the years go by, I’ve noticed that fewer people truly understand the reason behind the season or the meaning it carries.  Growing up, Christmas was always a celebration of the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.  December 25th was not just another holiday but a holy day.   The day would begin with us going to church in the morning, often wearing a new dress or outfit, followed by Christmas lunch and a gift from our parents. The day would be filled with loads of food and spending time with family, and yet even as children we understood that the primary reason for the day was to celebrate Jesus’s birthday.  The gifts we received didn’t come from a mystical being, sneaking into our homes while we slept, the gifts came from our parents, and there was absolutely no confusion about the day’s purpose.  It was Jesus’s birthday.

In recent years, the focus seems to have shifted.  The fame of Santa Claus has grown, overshadowing the true meaning of Christmas.  Ask any child today what Christmas is about, and they will likely tell you about Santa, reindeers or receiving gifts.  This response reveals the fact that we have over the years removed Christ from Christmas.

And yes an argument can be made regarding the date and year of the birth of saviour and that it is not on December 25th, however, globally this day is the day set to commemorate the birth of our Lord.  It is a day of good tidings and great joy, the moment Gods promise for a saviour was fulfilled. 

This year I encourage each of us to be intentional and remember the real reason for the season, which is the birth of Jesus Christ, our Saviour and King.  Let us not allow the commercialization of Christmas to distract us from the true meaning of Christmas, but instead, let us focus on sharing the joy of Christmas with others.  Christmas is a time for giving, a time for sharing, a time for love, or as some translations of the bible call it, charity.  This year celebrate by embodying his love and generosity.  Put a smile on someone’s face, show the love of Christ in a tangible way.

And so as you enjoy the festivities this year, let Christ remain at the centre.  Tis the season for giving, for sharing joy, and for spreading hope.  Let us honour the reason for the season by being the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in our communities and families.  Let us not just celebrate the season but let us reflect Christ in all we do.

Merry Christmas!