25/12/2023
CHRISTMAS: GOD’S STRATEGIC PLAN AND GOAL
I was recently in conversation with a friend who works and lives in the UK. During our discussion, he made a comment to the effect that he and his family are the only people that go to church in the street in which he lives. However, with the Christmas season, everybody on the street has the paraphernalia of Christmas. Christmas has since become just a period of festivity, reveling, sharing gifts, visiting friends and family etc.
Some have even done everything to take Christ out of Christmas by replacing it with X thereby making it Xmas. Like a minister said in church yesterday, X is an unknown quantity, but Christ is known. He is the son of God! Besides that, it is now commonplace to hear people talk about “happy holidays” instead of saying Merry Christmas. Who gets to celebrate holidays?
Then there are those who continue the endless argument that Christmas needs not be celebrated because Christmas was used to replace a heathen festival and that makes it wrong for Christians to celebrate. Some argue that Christ was not born in December so why all the fuss?
Whatever the arguments against Christmas, exploring the profound depths of Christmas unveils more than a festive season; it unveils a strategic revelation of God's divine plan for humanity.
At the heart of this celebration lies the birth of Jesus Christ, a moment that transcends history and carries monumental significance in God's overarching goals for humanity's spiritual journey.
Let us unravel the profound implications of Christ's birth, contemplating the divine strategies and timeless principles embedded in this pivotal event.
1. CHRISTMAS IS SIGNIFICANT IN THE CONTEXT OF GOD'S STRATEGIC PLAN AND GOAL FOR HUMANITY.
It marks the pivotal moment when God's divine plan for salvation was set into motion.
The birth of Jesus Christ represents God's intentional entry into human history, signaling His desire to reconcile humanity to Himself.
Through the incarnation of Jesus, God bridged the gap between divinity and humanity, offering a pathway for redemption and restoration.
It signifies the fulfilment of ancient prophecies and promises, demonstrating God's faithfulness and commitment to His people.
The arrival of Jesus on Christmas heralded a new era—a time when God's love, grace, and salvation became tangibly accessible to all.
It initiated a transformative journey for humanity, guiding individuals toward spiritual enlightenment, forgiveness, and the prospect of eternal life.
2. THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST ALIGNS WITH THE BROADER NARRATIVE OF GOD'S INTERVENTION IN HUMAN HISTORY.
Throughout history, God has consistently sought to communicate, guide, and relate to humanity. Jesus' birth represents the pinnacle of God's intervention, fulfilling promises made centuries before and inaugurating a new phase in God's plan for salvation.
From the beginning, God interacted with humanity, offering guidance, making covenants, and providing glimpses of His redemptive plan through prophets, miracles, and divine interventions. Jesus' birth embodies the culmination of guidance, covenants, miracles etc through prophets.
God dwells among men Himself in Jesus.
The birth of Jesus is not an isolated event but part of a continuum of divine interventions, including moments such as the exodus from Egypt, the giving of the Law, and the messages of prophets—all leading up to the incarnation. It solidifies God's commitment to reconcile humanity to Himself, emphasizing His desire for a restored relationship despite human shortcomings and failings.
Jesus' birth aligns perfectly with God's ongoing narrative of engagement and intervention in human history, representing the apex of God's redemptive plan.
3. THE NATIVITY STORY SYMBOLIZES AND REPRESENTS GOD'S STRATEGIC INTENTIONS FOR THE WORLD.
1. Incarnation and Humility: The Nativity represents God's intentional act of humility—choosing to enter the world not in grandeur but in the humblest of circumstances. This signifies God's desire to relate to humanity intimately and to meet us in our most vulnerable and ordinary moments.
2. Hope and Redemption: The birth of Jesus brings a message of hope and redemption. It signifies the dawn of a new era, where God's love and grace are made manifest, offering humanity the promise of salvation and reconciliation.
3. Universal Accessibility: The Nativity story demonstrates God's desire for inclusivity. Jesus' birth was announced to shepherds, considered lowly in society, and honored by wise men from distant lands, signifying that the message of salvation is for everyone, regardless of social status or background.
4. Fulfillment of Prophecy: The Nativity fulfills numerous prophecies from the Old Testament, affirming God's faithfulness and the coherence of His plan throughout history.
5. Immanuel - God with Us: Jesus' birth fulfills the prophecy of Him being called Immanuel, meaning "God with us." This signifies God's intention to dwell among humanity, sharing in our experiences and ultimately providing a pathway for reconciliation.
6. Peace and Unity: The angels' proclamation of peace on Earth reflects God's intention to bring harmony and reconciliation, not only between God and humanity but also among people themselves.
7. Salvation and New Beginnings: The birth of Jesus marks the beginning of a journey toward salvation and spiritual renewal. It symbolizes a fresh start and the possibility of a transformed life through faith in Christ.
4. THE EVENTS SURROUNDING CHRIST'S BIRTH CONTRIBUTE TO THE FULFILLMENT OF ANCIENT PROPHECIES AND DIVINE PROMISES.
1. Messiah's Genealogy and Birthplace: The prophecy in Micah 5:2 foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. The fulfillment of this prophecy occurred with Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, as traced through His genealogy in the Gospel narratives, aligning with the Old Testament prophecy.
2. Virgin Birth: The prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 foretold that a virgin would conceive and bear a son, who would be called Immanuel. The fulfillment of this prophecy occurred through the miraculous conception and birth of Jesus to the virgin Mary, as narrated in the Gospels.
3. John the Baptist's Role: Prophecies in Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:3 foresaw the coming of a messenger preparing the way for the Messiah. John the Baptist's birth and his subsequent role as the forerunner of Jesus fulfilled these prophecies, as he heralded the imminent arrival of the Messiah.
4. Savior for All Nations: The promise to Abraham in Genesis 22:18 and the prophecy in Isaiah 49:6 foretold that the Messiah would be a blessing for all nations. Jesus' birth and the subsequent message of salvation for both Jews and Gentiles fulfilled these promises, emphasizing the universal scope of His mission.
5. Flight to Egypt and Return: The prophecy in Hosea 11:1 spoke of the exodus of God's son from Egypt. Jesus' family fleeing to Egypt to escape Herod's massacre and later returning to Israel fulfilled this prophecy, symbolizing the parallel between the nation of Israel and Jesus as God's Son.
6. The Angel's Announcements: The messages delivered by angels to Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and others confirmed the fulfillment of God's promises. These heavenly proclamations reiterated the fulfillment of ancient prophecies and the divine intention behind Jesus' birth.
5. KEY FIGURES LIKE MARY, JOSEPH, THE SHEPHERDS, AND THE WISE MEN PLAYED IMPORTANT ROLES IN THE CONTEXT OF GOD'S STRATEGIC PLAN DURING CHRISTMAS.
1. Mary: As the mother of Jesus, Mary was chosen by God to bear the Son of God. Her obedience and willingness to fulfill God's plan, despite the social stigma and challenges she faced, were crucial. Mary's role exemplified faith, humility, and submission to God's will, making her an integral part of the incarnation—the divine entry of God into humanity.
2. Joseph: Joseph, Jesus' earthly father, had a vital role in protecting and providing for the Holy Family. His obedience to God's messages through angels, his role as a caregiver and protector, ensured the safety of Jesus and Mary. Joseph's acceptance of Jesus as his own son played a significant part in fulfilling prophecies and establishing Jesus' earthly lineage.
3. The Shepherds: The shepherds were the first to receive the angelic announcement of Jesus' birth. Their presence symbolized the inclusion of the marginalized and humble in God's plan. Their immediate response to visit Jesus highlighted the message of joy, humility, and the universality of the Gospel—God's message for all, regardless of social status.
4. The Wise Men (Magi): The wise men, guided by a star, traveled from afar to worship the newborn King. Their presence signified the recognition of Jesus' significance beyond the Jewish community. As Gentiles, their homage to Jesus represented the universal impact of Christ's birth and the fulfillment of prophecies regarding the inclusion of all nations in God's plan of salvation.
We see that God, despite his omnipotent nature needed strategic partners and collaborators to achieve the divine goal at Christmas.
6. CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS INFLUENCES CONTEMPORARY UNDERSTANDINGS OF GOD'S PURPOSE AND DESIGN FOR HUMANITY.
1. Emphasis on Love and Generosity: Christmas reinforces the value of love, kindness, and generosity. The spirit of giving during this time reflects God's nature of sacrificial love, encouraging people to express care and compassion toward others.
2. Focus on Family and Community: Christmas highlights the importance of family and community. It fosters unity, togetherness, and the idea of caring for one another, mirroring God's desire for harmonious relationships among humanity.
3. Reflection on Spiritual Renewal: The season prompts reflection on spiritual renewal and the significance of Jesus' birth. It encourages individuals to ponder the deeper meaning of God becoming incarnate and its implications for personal faith and salvation.
4. Remembrance of God's Faithfulness: Christmas serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Just as God fulfilled the ancient prophecies through Christ's birth, it reinforces the trustworthiness of God's promises in contemporary contexts.
5. Inclusivity and Hope: The celebration of Christmas emphasizes inclusivity and hope. It underscores the message that God's love and salvation are offered to all, transcending barriers of race, culture, and social status, fostering a sense of hope for humanity.
6. Opportunity for Evangelism and Outreach: Christmas provides an opportunity for sharing the Gospel and spreading the message of Christ's birth, inviting others to understand God's purpose for humanity and inviting them into a relationship with Christ.
7. Cultural and Global Impact: The celebration of Christmas has a significant cultural and global impact, uniting people from diverse backgrounds in commemorating a shared event, thereby highlighting God's universal plan for humanity's redemption.
7. LESSONS OR PRINCIPLES INDIVIDUALS AND SOCIETIES CAN DRAW FROM THE CHRISTMAS STORY WHEN CONSIDERING GOD'S OVERARCHING GOALS FOR HUMANITY'S SPIRITUAL JOURNEY.
1. Humility and Servanthood: The story of Jesus' birth in humble circumstances teaches the value of humility and service. It emphasizes that greatness can emerge from modest beginnings and encourages individuals to serve others selflessly.
2. Unconditional Love and Sacrifice: The Christmas narrative exemplifies God's unconditional love and sacrificial nature. It inspires individuals to love unconditionally, showing kindness and compassion to others, even at personal cost.
3. Inclusivity and Acceptance: The inclusion of diverse figures like shepherds and wise men signifies God's acceptance of all. It encourages societies to embrace diversity, showing respect and acceptance regardless of differences.
4. Faith and Obedience: Mary and Joseph's unwavering faith and obedience to God's plan serve as models for trust and obedience. It teaches individuals to trust in God's guidance and follow His direction even when it seems challenging or unconventional.
5. Hope and Redemption: The birth of Jesus brings hope and redemption. It reminds individuals that no matter the circumstances, there's always hope for renewal, restoration, and a fresh start through faith in Christ.
6. Generosity and Giving: The spirit of giving during Christmas reflects God's nature as a giver. It encourages individuals to be generous, not only materially but also in extending kindness, forgiveness, and grace to others.
7. Transformation and Renewal: The Christmas story symbolizes the potential for transformation and renewal. It teaches that encountering Christ can bring about profound changes in individuals and societies, leading to spiritual renewal and growth.
8. Purpose and Meaning: Jesus' birth fulfills prophecies and establishes purpose and meaning in human history. It reminds individuals that God has a plan and purpose for each person, and encountering Christ brings meaning to life's journey.
By reflecting on these lessons and principles from the Christmas story, individuals and societies can align with God's overarching goals for humanity's spiritual journey—nurturing qualities of love, humility, faith, inclusivity, and hope, while striving for personal and collective transformation guided by the example set by Jesus Christ.
As we celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ today, let us remember that the celebration is not in the accuracy of the date of his birth but in the celebration of the overarching intentions of God for humanity that his birth represents. Let us therefore make it a period of reflection and new beginning for a deeper and better fellowship and walk with the divine while at the same time manifesting the profound lessons learnt about the nature of God such as love, humility, faith, inclusivity, hope while striving for personal and collective transformation guided by the examples set by Jesus Christ himself.
Let us also emulate the divine nature shown in the painstaking and strategically planned event and long-term goal that Christmas is.
MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Kingsley Mayowa Okonoda.
Consultant. Clinician. Therapist. Trainer. Teacher.
