The Way I See It
The way I see it, Christmas time is traditionally a time of GIVING and not necessarily a time of GETTING.
As I move around Nevis for the past few days, the question is constantly asked: ‘What you giving me for Christmas?’
Now, how come they are not asking: ‘What you want for Christmas?’
I know a guy who in previous years, would make his way around Nevis on Christmas day each year and go to specific homes and inquire: ‘Wha you gat?’
By the time he returned home, his stomach was full and his doggy bag was overflowing.
He did not carry one gift, nor did he extend some kind courtesy to anybody. He was concerned about SELF.
Now, I don’t think we can run away from the fact that CHRISTMAS as we know it, is a manmade tradition, claiming to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
I don’t think there is any argument either as regards the fact that Jesus was not born at this time of year and that there is uncertainty about his actual birth date.
However, the gesture sounds good on the surface. After all, it is dedicated to Jesus Christ—or is it really?
We cannot run away from the fact that the Christmas season has become a commercialized event. People are stressing on SALES and BARGAINS and SHOPPING.
Then there is the over eating and constant IMBIBING.
I want to believe that it is the time of year when people drink the most alcohol.
Well I newa!
So people make merry and get drunk and get stomach upset from overeating and then say they are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
Certainly does not make sense.
I know of a guy who made it a habit to crash as many Christmas parties as possible and would pile up his plate like Nevis peak and when he is filled and overflowing, would go outside and regurgitate and go back for a next round.
Well I newa!
So, we are missing the mark here.
This should be a time when we reflect on the goodness of God. We can start with thanking him for life. Look at how many persons started the year with us and are not here to complete it?
Have you even considered this sobering fact dear reader, that some of us may not live to see the New Year?
We have to thank God for a fair measure of health; for food, shelter; his protective care of us on a daily basis and many other things.
However, the best way we can thank him is by giving our hearts to him and living to please him.
In so doing, we will treasure the body temple that he has loaned us, so that we can give a good account of our stewardship, when he calls.
So, my admonition is for us to make this Christmas, one with a difference. Give God the glory and honour he deserves and let us not focus on a helpless baby in a manger, but on a soon coming KING of KINGS and LORD of LORDS.
That’s the way I see it. How do you see it?