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Christmas: A Social Priesthood
CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS WITH WORLD LANGUAGE
And they will call him Immanuel (which means God with us)” (Matthew 1:23 NIV).
When the Magi visited the baby Jesus, they realized the importance and impact of his coming into the world. He was and is the Messiah who saves all peoples without distinction of race, origin, sex, or social status. The birth of Jesus confirmed the fulfillment of the long-awaited prophecy; it aroused so much hope and strengthened faith. The gospel found its earthly beginning in the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem and continues in our day.
Christmas, now celebrated among us, is a priesthood of all Christians and peoples intended for all. By singing the Christmas hymns and reading the prophecies foretelling the celebration, all participate in proclaiming the great message of salvation for humanity. There is no pastor or evangelist, missionary or minister of any kind, but all come together in one spirit to form a new cup—a new beverage, so to say—to save, heal, and bless the nations. Unlike Herod, who gathered the scribes and priests together for an evil purpose, Christmas opens the doors and lets all people in to join in the extreme joy of knowing Christ.
In popular social culture, especially in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a new birth is a special event. The whole family is joyful, and the entire village is excited to see the newborn and celebrate his coming into the world. They all prepare meals and gifts for the mother and child, and gifts also benefit other family members. In urban areas, the father’s and mother’s extended families prepare before the mother and child leave the maternity ward. Acquaintances near and far, and even strangers, are invited. On the appointed day, the people gather in the newborn’s home, shake his hand, carry him in their arms, caress him, and say blessings over him. Sometimes the celebrations get out of hand.
In our local churches, the pastor and the church committee plan a budget for these events (and others) and extend invitations to non-Christians and members of sister churches. They provide for the administration of baptism and the covenant, the washing of the feet of the saints, and Holy Communion. Very often, the [unbelieving] guests respond favorably. The service is covered with a striking message. And sometimes, the sisters in Christ busy themselves preparing a meal and refreshments for all. These events, like Christmas, are social events that bring the gospel message to all who participate.
Christmas is accepted by most of the population of my country, Christians and non-Christians alike, and it is an extraordinary event that cements interpersonal relationships and brings reconciliation. Yet, for the Christian, the celebration is quite distinct, as the birth of Jesus brings special benefits to humanity. If Jesus Christ had not been born, there would have been no gospel, no Pentecost, and no Easter; the Christian would not exist. The Bible would not have seen the light of day, nor would the church and its various denominations exist. Spiritual darkness would have wholly invaded the world, and eternal life in paradise would not have returned to the minds of humans. Christmas brought God down to earth with his love—Christmas, Emmanuel, God with us.
Christmas deserves to be celebrated, especially in our local churches, because it opens the doors to give people of different cultures access to the message of salvation starting from the manger. We find in it the joy that nourishes hope and confirms the promise of eternal salvation through Immanuel. Those who reject Christmas have yet to experience the force of the nativity scene’s message. Christmas is a new hymn that changes hearts. Christmas is the power and greatness of the manger that breaks down barriers, reduces borders, and strengthens the hope of this eternal salvation for all in Jesus Christ.
