What to Do During the Christmas Season

Christmas season is a major event in the Christian calendar. Jesus Christ, God Almighty in human form was born of the Virgin Mary to a human family in almost absolute poverty to redeem mankind. That He was born to a human family emphasizes the fact that God recognizes and values our families.

Christians therefore mark the birth of Christ in various ways that emphasize the importance of the family unit. There is joy as families get together after a whole twelve months or even years of busy schedules. People who work away from their homes take advantage of the season to visit parents, friends and relatives as a gesture of goodwill. Gifts, money and other items such as goodwill cards are sent to show concern and love for relatives and friends.

People endeavor to engage in special activities like visiting the sick in hospital while others visit the poor with gifts. While majority of people engage in these loving activities, others get carried away by the euphoria of Christmas to overindulge in all manner of foods and alcoholic beverages and fun. For such people, Christmas is a periods for reckless living and spending.

It is worth pondering what people should do even in humble ways to make Christmas truly a season for rejoicing. The most important activity should be recognizing that Jesus Christ was born to redeem mankind from the scourge of sin. That should be the cardinal message so that even if one lacks material comfort in sumptuous meals, drinks and leisure, one still ought to rejoice. The family should take time to reflect on all the blessing they have received and rejoice as well as give thanks for the gift of life.

This should be the period for children to be reminded about God and His blessings, grace, love and glory. The period should be used for correcting wrongs committed in the past and families ought to reflect about forgiveness which is essentially what God did when he offered Jesus His only begotten son to be born in human form and later die for us.

Shouldn't this be time for families and individuals to reflect on values? This season should be used as a period for getting together, talking together, eating together and doing other honorable activities. This togetherness should enhance family unity and love and better understanding. If this is encouraged, it would be an all-time activity and not just a Christmas event.

People who are committed to seeing their families work and live together should investigate what social and psychological activities and attitudes have been used by other families to attain love, commitment and honor. Tendencies that have brought families apart should also be investigated with a view to being avoided.
People who have no families, the destitute, orphans and singles should not be left out during this joyous occasion. They may enjoy being part of church families where they can join fellowship in praise and worship. It will also be good to visit the sick in hospitals and children's and old people's homes. Such gestures are a show of love, the true meaning of Christmas. Have a blessed Merry Christmas and a happy New Year