24th December, 2015
As preparations for Christmas peaked, some FCT residents have expressed mixed views on the celebration and its significance.
In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday, some respondents said it was a period to demonstrate love, especially to the less privileged people, in line with scriptural command.
However, some other respondents disagreed with the celebration, saying that it was not biblical.
In her view, Mrs Titilayo Onifade, a civil servant and mother of three, told NAN that the day was set aside by Christians worldwide to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.
Onifade, however, observed that the significance of Christmas, which was primarily to show love, especially to the less-privilege in the society, was fast eroding.
“The Bible says that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son. So, we, as Christians, are supposed to show love especially during this season.
“But what do we see these days, it has become a do or die affair for some parents who go as far as borrowing money to buy what they call Christmas clothes for their children or to have parties.
“That is not the importance of Christmas. Christmas is a time to give to those who do not have like the orphans, widows, the less-privileged generally, as you celebrate,’’ Onifade said.
Similarly, Mrs Chinyere Okafor, observed that Christmas was slowly losing its significance.
“Many people have removed the word Christ from Christmas and turned it into a jamboree of some sorts.
“We hear in the western world now that Christ should not be mentioned during some of their Christmas events.
“Christmas is a time to remember the birth of Jesus Christ as we show love to those around us. It should not just be a time for eating and drinking.’’
Okafor, therefore, enjoined Christians to make Jesus the reason for the season and just like Him, show love to everyone, especially those in need.
However, some people who disagree with the celebration, argue that it is not biblical.
Mrs Uduak John, a businesswoman, said that Christmas day is just like any other day to her.
“If someone can show me where Christmas is mentioned in the Bible or that Jesus was born on the 25th of December, then I will celebrate Christmas.
“The Bible does not give us a clue as to when Jesus was born. The day, month, season or year Jesus Christ was born is not recorded in the Bible.
“People buy clothes every day, eat rice and chicken every day, have parties every day and these are things people do during Christmas; so, what really makes that day special?’’ Mrs John asked.
In agreement with the view Christmas day is just like any other day of the year, Mr John Eze, a public servant, said there was no need for any special celebration.
“The word Christmas is not in the Bible and its customs and purpose cannot be traced to Christ or his apostles. So, there is nothing like Christmas.
“Celebrating Christmas should be an individual thing and people need to ask themselves what is the importance of Christmas and if it is of any benefit to their salvation,’’ Eze said.