The Christmas season in December is filled with gatherings, greetings, singing, and festivities. The celebration is often depicted with images of trees, Santa Claus, wrapped gifts, and songs about bells, snow, and trees. However, the Cambridge Dictionary defines Christmas as “a Christian holy day that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.” This definition highlights the disparity between the commercialised portrayal of Christmas and its true meaning.
This article argues that the celebration of Christmas should be refocused on the person and birth of Jesus Christ in its significance, images/decor, songs, and greetings. Father Christmas should give way to Baby Jesus; Christmas conventions and carol services should take centre stage instead of shopping and partying. Songs like “Long Time Ago in Bethlehem” and “Silent Night” should be sung instead of “Jingle Bells” and “O Christmas Tree.” Remember to say “Merry Christmas” instead of “Season’s Greetings” or “Happy Holidays.”
Significance of Christmas
Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, the Saviour of the world. Activities marking His birth and its significance as God’s greatest gift to humanity should take centre stage. Events such as Christmas conventions, nine lessons and carols services at corporate, church, family, and individual levels should be organised and actively participated in. Emphasis should not be placed on shopping, eating, drinking, partying, and merrymaking.
Christmas Images and Decor
Images of Baby Jesus in a manger or receiving gifts from wise men should replace Santa Claus. Graphic designers should see it as their calling to help tell the Christmas story in a biblically correct way. The body of Christ should not be swayed by commercial images and designs that use Santa, trees, and gift boxes to drive sales. Christmas is not a sales event. Decorations should centre around Baby Jesus, just as the cross and the empty tomb are central to Easter.
Christmas Songs
It is surprising to hear so-called Christmas songs that do not mention Jesus or His birth. Popular songs like “Jingle Bells” and “O Christmas Tree” do not reference Jesus or the nativity. These songs should not be considered Christmas songs. Instead, songs that celebrate the birth of Jesus, such as “Long Time Ago in Bethlehem” and “Silent Night,” should be sung. These songs convey the true meaning of Christmas and celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Christmas Greetings
Understanding the true meaning of Christmas should influence the greetings we use. “Merry Christmas” is an appropriate greeting. Secular greetings like “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings” are too vague and can be used at any time. “Fête de Noël” (Christmas Festival) is more appropriate than “fête de fin d’année” (end of year festival).
Conclusion
Keeping Christ in Christmas is essential to making the celebration meaningful. The focus should be on the person and birth of Jesus Christ in its significance, images/decor, songs, and greetings. Activities that celebrate the birth of Jesus, such as Christmas conventions and carol services, should be prioritised. Father Christmas should give way to Baby Jesus, and songs that celebrate His birth should be sung. Remember to say “Merry Christmas” instead of “Season’s Greetings” or “Happy Holidays.”
By Pastor Daniel Nana Sei Mensah, PIWC French-Accra Resident Minister
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