OPINION: Why Christmas Cuts Across Religious Boundaries

By Aramide Oikelome, Lagos
Christmas is here again; a time celebrated across the world in commemoration of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, who according to biblical teaching is believed to be the Saviour of the world. Although there is a lot of controversy surrounding the actual date and month the Saviour was born, there is no denying the fact that the remembrance of Christmas in most parts of the world is something that elicits unique excitement in the air.

Although primarily associated with the Christian religion, it has become increasingly clear that the much-acclaimed festival is fast losing its religious boundaries as both Christians and non-Christians now embrace the celebration and mark it with pomp and pageantry.
For many, Christmas is a time to change clothes and get beautiful, even as the streets are illuminated by colorful lights, gifts exchange hands and there is loud noise in the streets, with singing and dancing.
In fact, the Christmas celebration would not be complete without the beautiful Christmas trees that are constructed in most sitting room and houses. The tree is an integral part of Christmas in Nigeria and other countries of the world, often rounded by shiny tiny lights that also run around the sitting room and reminds us
of the festival and helps us keep abreast of the season.
For many youths too, it is a time to get married as people travel to their respective states of origin, towns and villages to celebrate with their loved ones. It is often a time for family re-union, a time to re-strategize and focus; a time to seek the face of God and make New Year resolutions. Indeed, Christmas is hence is a thoroughly family affair, laced with lots of excitement and funfair.
Back in the villages, you would be greeted by the numerous masquerade groups formulated by the younger people who gently display their dance moves in exchange for foreign currencies. This dance groups make the Christmas experience soothing and comforting. The young girls also have their dance groups, though without a masquerade but with palm frond tied to their left feet as a sign of bravery. They also make money by displaying their well thought out dance steps.
Muslims and people of other faiths are not left out of the celebration
Interestingly, even Muslims and people of other faiths are not left out of the celebration. In the words of Alhaji Rasheed Alabi,

"One major reason why Muslims inadvertently get caught up in the frenzy of Christmas celebration is that it comes just one week before the New Year festivity, hence the last few days ending the year, including December 25th are usually regarded as Yuletide season in every nation of the world."
"During this Yuletide season, year-end presents/souvenirs are exchanged between individuals, families, companies and corporate bodies; even as goodwill messages and appreciation gifts are sent to bosses, teachers, family, friends, stewards, neighbours and even the poor and needy in the society. It is generally believed that the year should end on a good and cordial note when all scores are resolved before the dawn of a brand New Year.
"For Muslims, Christmas is not about religion but about sharing, about reunion and fellowship with family and friends," he said.

What does Christmas mean to different people?

Sunday Independent took time out to talk with some people on what Christmas means to them.
In the words of Nkechi Nwigbo,

"Christmas is such a wonderful holiday but actually Christmas day is the birthday of our Lord, Jesus Christ. This day doesn’t mean that we should only give gifts, but to realize that this is the day God sent His only son so that we might have salvation."

Nwigbo cautioned,

“This is what it is supposed to mean, but most people have now made it seem like a day to give gifts and talk about Father Christmas, when we should be telling the children the true meaning of this day. Everything else is good. The gifts and everything, but it is good to remember the true meaning of Christmas.”

Corroborating this, Tommy Odunsi submits,

"It is a period all mankind should reflect on the magnitude of God’s love for man. It is a period to commemorate the fulfillment of God’s promise to Adam after his fall – that is reconciliation. Man should, therefore, use this opportunity to make up with both God and his fellow man."

For Anaba Gregory,

"Christmas should be a day for the family, but today, it has become a day about how much money can be spent and how quick you can open one present to get to the next. I believe the meaning of Christmas has been lost through the years because of incessant socio-political problems in Nigeria. You can’t travel as desired because of high cost of transportation. That is the tragedy of a bad nation."
“I think Christmas has lost the glory and instead of being about love and sharing with family, it is all about how to survive and make ends meet. It is so sad that we have gone away from the true meaning of Christmas. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to give one gift and have a wonderful dinner and enjoy just being with your family instead of over spending and going into debt? Well, that is my outlook on what Christmas has become."

Moses Kwentua argues,

"In this part of the world, Christmas is like a celebration of capitalism and a time when we pretend that our good behaviour for the day will carry us over to the rest of the year. Good food, presents and big parties characterize the season. Meanwhile, there is no fuel, no light, no money and bad governance."
"From year to year, it is the same old story. Is that the meaning of Christmas?" He queried.

For Cassandra Igbokwe,

"Christmas means celebrating baby Christ’s birthday with family and friends and also enjoying vacation with family." She added, “It is the best time to exchange gifts with friends and family and just hanging out and having fun," but cautioned: "It is important to forgive those who have offended us and remember them according to the Lord’s Prayer."

Ubani Charles laments the fact that many do not understand the true essence of Christmas. His words,

"It is rather unfortunate that many people think that sending presents once a year is what Christmas is all about. No, it is not only about sharing and giving gifts. It is more spiritual. In my view, Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ. Every year, first thing is to say ‘Happy Birthday Jesus Christ’. Christmas is also to be with family, caring, sharing and loving and just being happy and being together. But one needs to carry that out all year through. Love, share, care, keep in touch with loved ones all year through. I believe it is Christ’s way to keep the spark lighting with love, joy, peace, happiness, and hope that Christ will come again."

Patience Omoregie said:

"Christmas in Nigeria is a time for celebration and reconnection, the experience is always an unforgettable one. Visitors are welcomed and there is no house that is left without the scent of chickened stew as most Nigerians celebrate it with chicken stew, rice and assorted drinks."

Clerics however warn that Christians should not lose sight of the spiritual essence of Christmas while relishing the joy of the season.
According to Pastor Israel Aderemi of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Ikeja,

"Much as Christmas is a time of rejoicing that a Saviour was born to redeem mankind from his state of hopelessness and sin, it also calls for caution because the essence of Christ’s coming is saving us from our sins. For as long as we continue in sin, we have not embraced the gift of God for us. It means we are ungrateful to God for giving us His son."

The cleric added that Christmas season is not a time to indulge in sinful practices but a time to appreciate God’s unparalleled gift to mankind and to embrace His saving grace.
On a similar note, the arrowhead of St. Michael Church of Christ, (Cherubim and Seraphim), Ikorodu, Prophet Elias Babatope urged Christians to be prayerful at this time so that the devil does not take advantage of their merry-making ventures to gain access into their lives.

Source: Daily Independent

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