Is Jesus in the Festival? By Joseph Akinrinola
The period of celebration is here again. The celebration revolves around Jesus. Of all religious festivals in the world, no one is as glorious as Christmas. It is celebrated by both Christians and non-Christians alike. Among those celebrating Christmas, the majority does not understand its purpose other than the period of eating, drinking, and merriment. At best, some will fulfill the tradition of sharing and decoration. However, is Jesus in the festival? While I have nothing against the euphoria of Christmas, the pertinent question is, will God be glorified? Will all the activities add value to us or someone else? Jesus’ visit to the family of Lazarus will give you an idea of what I am talking about. This is the story of two sisters with two different dispositions to life and spirituality. Jesus was a guest to the entire family. As expected, it is the women that will arrange to entertain the guest. The outspoken Martha was at the forefront of this. However, Mary, probably the younger of the two, was giving rapt attention to the teachings of Jesus. Unable to bear it, Martha came to complain to Jesus about her sister’s negligence. She was giving orders to the master on how to handle Mary’s indolent behavior. Martha felt Jesus was indulging Mary as she sat at his feet listening.
The reply of Jesus left us wondering if it was wrong for Martha to care about Jesus’ welfare. But that was not the case. All Jesus was concerned about was Martha’s value system. To Jesus, doing the right thing at the wrong time equates doing the wrong thing. In Jesus’ view, our preoccupation should be on eternal value. That was what Mary has chosen. (Luke 10:38) As you know, Jesus was not born on December 25. Nonetheless, that is when we celebrate the birth of a savior, because a global day has been declared for that. That day now becomes a time to appreciate God for His gift of salvation. Not only that, but to share the good news with others who have not known him. This is more than any gift, decoration, or merriment. While all the fanfare associated with Christmas is welcome, we should remember the less privileged. The two categories of people Jesus refers to as goat and sheep in Matthew 25:31-46 never imagined their deeds were on record. In the parable of the sheep and goat, both of them ask if Jesus was ever at their home in the neighborhood. Little did the woman with the alabaster oil know her action would be read centuries later. (Matthew 26:6-13)
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