“A child is born, a son given” (Is 9:6a) – a gift to all people, for all people. He is in our homes, institutions, and hearts, bringing joy like a newborn baby. The Akan people say a child in the womb belongs to the mother, but when born, it belongs to all. Christ is the spirit of Christmas, a gift to the world, for everyone, regardless of background. He is to be shared, not kept alone – with friends, strangers, the marginalized, and even enemies. As Christ asked, “If you love those who love you, what is the reward? Greet your brothers and sisters, but what is special about that?” (Matt 5:46-48).
Let us not make Christmas about calculated exchanges. Pope Benedict XVI said, “God’s gift is about taking our humanity to give us divinity, choosing our nothingness to give us His fullness. Let us give like that – generous, expecting nothing back.”
The child born to us is the reason for rejoicing and giving. Isaiah 9:1-6 is a liturgical piece, likely from a royal accession ceremony, speaking of the ideal Davidic king who brings peace and justice. This prophecy finds fulfilment in Jesus, the universal king, whose spiritual ancestry is from God (Luke 3:23-38).
Jesus is the centre of Christmas, making it meaningful and inspirational. It is not about gifts, parties, or events, but about Him. Let us focus on Christ in our celebrations, especially in Mass, and share Him with others through acts of kindness and generosity.
Meet the newborn King in the liturgy and give Him to others with gifts like food, money, and clothes.
Pope Benedict XVI clearly stated, “The real Christmas gift to man, to human history, and to each of us is Jesus Christ Himself. Through generation after generation, Jesus Christ has made man interiorly rich and fulfilled, and that, independently of belief or unbelief, he is among the greatest treasures of mankind. Every Christmas gift, therefore, ought to reflect that gesture of divine love which in the final analysis could and would give nothing less than itself. Whether a gift is expensive or cheap matters little: if we have not given a bit of ourselves along with it, any gift we give is too small.”
Christmas has lost its way, mate. We are so caught up in the commercial hype that we have forgotten the real deal. The first Christmas was raw, humble, and sacrificial – God becoming a beggar for us (2 Cor 8:9). Let us refocus on the mystery of Bethlehem, where God gave Himself to us.
Finally, our giving should reflect this selfless love. It is not about lavish gifts or parties but about embracing the God who gave everything for us. As we embrace the sentimentality and melodrama, we must get back to the heart of Christmas: God with us.
By Rev. Fr. Isaac Kyei
