CHRISTMAS IS NOT A JAMBOREE

 "As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the shepherds talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger". Luke 2:15‭-‬16 (MSG)

On the list of top twenty most widely celebrated holidays in the world, Christmas holiday rank second after New Year holiday (Knowinsiders). However, despite Christmas being the second biggest holiday in the whole world, only 31.2% of the entire world population are Christians (Wikipedia 2021). This imply that 68.8% of the world population celebrates Christmas every year without knowing the saving grace of Christmas. They celebrate Christmas with Christ in absentia in the centre of their hearts. However, such Christmas celebrations are mere jamboree as far as God is concerned. 

As the world attempts to turn Christmas into jamboree, most of the things people cherish during the holiday are of no significance in the light of eternity. For example, Christmas is not about the size of our chickens, our gorgeous dresses and shoes, or array of colourful decorations and lightings around us. Rather, it is a sacred holiday that introduces the Saviour to a dying world. Unfortunately, billions of people all over the world are celebrating Christmas every year without having personal encounter with Christ the Saviour. This does not sound good at all!

The Shepherds understood that Christmas without Christ is an empty jamboree (Luke 2:15-20). These men hurriedly left everything they had behind in search for Christ who is the real reason for the season. They refused to celebrate Christmas until they had met the Saviour. That is wisdom in action! No wonder God called those Shepherds "wise men" in Matthew 2:1-2.

Beloved, have you being celebrating Christmas with Christ in absentia in your heart? Please note that is not wise. You cannot barb or weave someone's hair in his or her absence. It does not make sense! But, if you dare to seek and embrace the Saviour like those wise men, this year's Christmas will mark a new beginning of true greatness and colourful destiny for you. Therefore, I urge you to please join the wise men and women who are celebrating Christmas with Christ in their hearts today.

As we joyfully approach the Christmas holiday this year, let us sing the First Noel and trust God that the sacred joy and victory of the season will envelope us completely till Christ returns to take us to our mansion above in Jesus name, Amen.

THE FIRST NOEL by Davies Gilbert, 1823

The First Noel, the Angels did say

Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay

In fields where they lay keeping their sheep

On a cold winter's night that was so deep.

Refrain:

            Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel

            Born is the King of Israel!

They looked up and saw a star

Shining in the East beyond them far

And to the earth it gave great light

And so it continued both day and night.

And by the light of that same star

Three Wise men came from country far

To seek for a King was their intent

And to follow the star wherever it went.

This star drew nigh to the northwest

O'er Bethlehem it took its rest

And there it did both Pause and stay

Right o'er the place where Jesus lay.

Then entered in those Wise men three

Full reverently upon their knee

And offered there in His presence

Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.

Then let us all with one accord

Sing praises to our heavenly Lord

That hath made Heaven and earth of nought

And with his blood mankind has bought.

On behalf of the leadership of RCCG LP 38, Zone 1 and Area 19, I will like to invite you to our December 2021 Let's Go A Fishing Program. Date: Sunday, December 26th, 2021. Theme: The Indescribable Gift. Time:11am. Venue: Behind Babah Farms, Temitope B/stop, Ijaba Osuke Road, Iyesi Otta, Ogun State. Ministering: Pastor 'Tunde Omishogbon & other anointed ministers.

Merry Christmas and Happy new year.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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