The Seven Laws of Christmas: all of Christ, all for humankind-in-trust

By Charles Mwewa

Christmas must be celebrated. Like every good thing that is celebrated, Christmas has salient principles which make it a momentous day. This brief article reveals seven laws (attitudes) that every Christmas that is meaningful should prompt. When the real meaning of something is forgotten, there is always possibility of abuse. In many respects, the sweet spirit of Christmas has been suffocated by insatiable commercialization and secularism that it has lost its lucre; this issue is written to cure that.

Law #1: Christmas is a time of accountability:

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world…And everyone went to their own town to register” (Luke 2:1 and 3). Christmas was born during the season of political accountability in the Roman world. Jesus was born at that very moment. His earthly father Joseph was counted. His mother Mary was counted. And I am sure, Baby Jesus was also counted. At Christmas, we should all be asking: Am I counted upon to be part of a solution to my nation? Will my excessive celebration without taking into consideration the morality of the moment defeat the purpose of the time?

Law #2: Christmas is a time of delivering:

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son” (Luke 2:6 and 7). The story begins with a promise. Isaiah had prophesised, thus, “A virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel,” (Isaiah 7:14). That name “Immanuel” is then translated as “God is with us.” Therefore, God first delivered Himself to the human race. And Mary also delivered Him practically through the birth process. It is unarguable that Joseph delivered the place where this Baby should be born. A few days after His birth, the Magi delivered gifts: “They opened their treasure chests and gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (Mat. 2:11). Thus, God delivered the Son to the world; Mary delivered a child; Joseph delivered the place; and the Magi delivered the gifts. At Christmas, the array and range of gifts you can deliver to someone (the world) are numerous. They are not only in monetary terms, some, like hope, are simply a card a word away. This Christmas, deliver something of meaning to someone in dire need of it.

Law #3: Christmas is a time of shining brightly:

“And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid” (Luke 2:9). An angel reported the news of Jesus’ birth. In olden days before emails and faxes, special messengers reported important news. For Christmas, it was not only the message reported which was significant; it was also the manner in which it was reported. It is bright, definitive and glorious. Christmas should begin with a bright face and end with a glorious anthem. Thus, the lights sparkling in the street, the carols hymning in the malls and the sound of “Silent Night” chiming from under the mistletoe, are all remembrances that this hilarious season called Christmas is here and must be celebrated. But Christmas should be of quintessence, a manifestation of a bright soul within!

Law #4: Christmas is a time of good tidings (news):

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord’” (Luke 2:10-11). The Jews understood this, they hoped for a Messiah who would deliver them from political bandage of the Romans. Christians understand this as deliverance from sin and Satan. The world knows this as deliverance from hopelessness. From whatever angle you look at it, it was and is good news; because it is a promise of freedom. Those who believe in Jesus have experienced this promise of true inner freedom that Jesus is, indeed, the Saviour of the souls of the world!

Law #5: Christmas is a time of great joy:

“I bring you good news of GREAT JOY which will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10, emphasis mine). Christmas is a time of great joy, from whatever lens you view it. There is no time like it on earth. The song, “Joy to the World” written by Hoyt Axton, and made famous by the band Three Dog Night, is a classic; it lives up to its jingle. And Andy Williams’s “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” lives up to its mantra. The world is never better than at Christmas – everyone is happy and giving. This is because Jesus made it possible. No other person has brought more joy to the world than Jesus Christ. That’s why to usurp his rightful place at Christmas is to lame the name itself. Christmas is, in deed and fact, a Christ’s Mass!

Law #6: Christmas is a time of thanksgiving:

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God” (Luke 2:13). The tale that has constantly been omitted from Christmas is the miracle of the “heavenly host” which appeared with the angel at Christ’s birth. The heavenly host would include the sun, moon, and stars. This is the only time in history it is not merely a promise that the sun, moon, and stars will sing, they did. The sun, the moon, the stars and the angel all worshipped God and Baby Jesus. If the hosts of heaven worshipped Him at His birth, every living being (including humans) ought to worship Him. Christmas is, therefore, a time of utmost reverence and thanksgiving to God!

Law #7: Christmas is a time of peace on earth, favour to mankind, and of glorifying God:

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests” (Luke 2:14) was the chant which the heavenly host and the angel brimmed on the first Christmas Day. First, God made His creation for His glory. God has shared everything He is or has made with His creation, except His glory (Isaiah 42:8). When you glorify God, you have reached the highest echelon of praise and worship. Second, the advent of Christ on earth forever silenced sorrow, wars and death. His birth put in motion an end to Satan’s kingdom. It may seem like Satan and evil is winning today, but that is just an illusion of a beheaded serpent. His birth not only ushered in a dispensation of grace (all humankind now have favour with God), but also signalled an end to the old order. It is just a matter of time, all things as we know them will vanish; all things will become new – new heavens, new earth, new humanity and new hope. Meanwhile, only Christ in our hearts can put our current earth at peace. At Christmas, we ingratiate the earth with peace, saturate our souls with hope, and invigorate our spirits with favour.

In conclusion, Christmas is a political event as it is a religious celebration. Christmas teaches us that we have present help on earth in the person of Christ Jesus. We may celebrate Christmas in many ways (trees, leaves, lights, music, food, merriment, gifts, trips and any-how) but there is only one meaning of Christmas (or X-mas, for “X” is Greek is still Christ!): It is all of Christ, and all for humankind!

Happy Christmas everyone!