Personality in Focus
Opinion: Why I Believe in Celebration of Christmas Despite What I Know About the Origin
By Rev Enitan Shogbade
So many people have reservations about the proprieties or otherwise of celebrating Christmas, especially on December 25. Some Christian denominations even see those celebrating Christmas as endorsing paganism in another form, but should Christians celebrate Christmas or not?
While there can never be a common agreement on the issue of celebrating Christmas as knowledge and understanding differ, I have decided to pen down for my friends and followers, where I stand about the issue of Christmas.
WHAT I KNOW ABOUT CHRISTMAS
1. I am aware that Jesus was not born on 25th of December.
2. That 25th of December was the day that was used to celebrate the Sun god in ancient Rome.
3. That Constantine was the Christian leader who chose the day for the celebration of the birth of Christ and that even Constantine’s conversion as a Christian was suspected to be false.
4. That the Bible did not command the celebration of Christmas and that the only thing our Lord commanded to be done in his remembrance is the observance of the Holy Communion.
5. That the Word “Christmas” did not even occur in the bible.
6. That the celebration of Christmas has been bastardized and commercialized and that it should not even been associated with a Holy and moral person like our Lord Jesus’ Christ.
7. That the Christmas season promotes sin and immortality all of which the person being celebrated opposed.
These are some of the arguments that the opponents of Christmas celebration based their opposition on and I share in their concerns BUT I STILL BELIEVE IN CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS. Why ?
WHY I BELIEVE IN CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS
1. Though Jesus was not born on 25th December, no one can say accurately when he was born. Those insinuating an October date are only being speculative. And I think it is a divine arrangement that the Godhead kept that day away from mankind because of what it may engender among those who may share the same date with him.(Imagine how those who were born on 25th of December feel compared to those of us who were not).
2. I know of friends whose parents couldn’t give the accurate date of their birth but chose a day close to when their mates were born to celebrate their birthday and still feel special on their chosen dates.
3. That 25th December was once a pagan day to celebrate a pagan god and now chosing to celebrate the King of Kings and Lord of Lords only proves the superiority of our God over idols and proves to us who believe that an idol is nothing according to scriptures 1 Cor 8: 4.
4. I celebrate on 25th because it’s been chosen by Church leaders thousands of years before our time and if it was not divine, it wouldn’t be standing and it would have fiddled out over the years.
5. There is actually no date or months that does not have pagan origin in the past. For example, history teaches that in ILE- IFE, the ancient town in old OYO KINGDOM and in current Osun State of Nigeria, every day of the year but one is used to celebrate the 365 gods of the people and this applies to so many other cultures of the world for the whole world was of paganism until God began to introduce himself to mankind through Abraham after the fall of Adam.
6. I believe in celebrating Christmas even though the bible did not command nor does it forbids such celebration because there are some things the bible leaves to our sound judgement to decide, as it’s not everything the bible dictates. For example, the bible did not ask you to brush your teeth nor did it ask you to take your bath daily but you still do.
7. I celebrate Christmas as commemoration of the birthday of the Lord Jesus Christ because i appreciate that he came into the world on a day to begin the plan of our redemption for if he was not born, he could not have died and if he did not die for us, then we will still remain sinners, condemned to hell fire.
8. I celebrate Christmas because it affords me an opportunity to Minister to the dying world about the reason for the season, as almost everyone everywhere in the world remembers the day because of its association with the person of Jesus Christ.
9. I celebrate Christmas because birthday is an occasion to celebrate the one we love and since I love Jesus and he is my Lord and my friend, I will use the day to celebrate my Lord and Friend and take the advantage of the Holidays to reflect on his mission on earth and my response to him so far.
10. On commercialization and immorality associated with the day, this is the reality of our days and a sign of the end time foretold in the bible and does not in any way invalidate the morality of the celebration but rather a condemnation of those who choose to use the day to commit sins as they celebrate the birth of one whose reason for coming is to destroy sin and be born in every heart.
11. I celebrate because i deduct from scriptures that Jesus doesn’t mind being celebrated as we see in Mark 14 : 3 – 9 & Mark 5 : 29.
12. I believe in Christmas festivity because i realized that Jesus our Lord is not against festivity or social gathering, as he himself honours such with his presence at various feast in his days. Matthew 26 : 17, Luke 5 : 29, John 4: 45, John 5: 1 & John 7 : 2- 14.
13. I believe in celebrating Christmas because it afford me an opportunity to take after Christ who took advantage of such festival to teach, preach and advance the course of the kingdom. So i also celebrate by pointing people to why he came.
14. I join other Christ minded Christians to celebrate the coming of Christ to our world because i realize that the early disciples including the Apostles do join in the celebration of the feast of their days. Acts 18 : 21.
15. I celebrate because rather than restraining me from celebrating, the bible actually encourage me to do so truthfully, rightly and responsibly – 1 Cor 5 :8 & Jude: 12.
I can continue on and on and this is even becoming a long thesis many may not be willing to read so let me stop here on my reasons for believing in the celebration of Christmas.
I have presented my reasons because the bible commanded me so to do 1 Peter 3: 15. That I give reasons for my hope and reasons for my faith in Christ and to put to rest the questions often asked by my friends from other denominations who i will now refer to this write-up henceforth.
However, lets remember the bible says, he that regards a day regards it unto the Lord and he that regards it not, does so also unto the Lord – Romans 14: 6.
It is therefore necessary that we remind ourself of the biblical injunction that we put no stumbling block on each other’s path Romans – 14: 13.
He that believes in celebration of Christmas please celebrate responsibly and he that does not believe should still be himself or herself for we are brothers and sisters in Christ irrespective of our disposition to 25th December.
For those who are like me for the above started reasons or more I say HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL. May Jesus be born in every heart that gets to read this in Jesus Name.
Again, Merry Christmas and Happy Jesus Festival.
I am your Friend in Christ and a Friend of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
Reverend Shogbade is the General Overseer of FOJIA, and writes from Lagos
The Lagos State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Ayo Ogunsan on his well-deserved appointment as the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF).
In a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, and made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), the command noted that “Dr. Ogunsan’s appointment is a clear testimony to the unwavering trust and confidence that the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has in him.”
Reminiscing Ogunsan’s trajectory in the world of administration and security, the statement stressed that “Over the years, Dr. Ogunsan has demonstrated exceptional selflessness and commitment to strengthening the security architecture of Lagos State.”
The Command further noted as follows:
“The Commissioner of Police is confident that Dr. Ogunsan, as a distinguished member of the LSSTF Board, will assume this new role with deep institutional knowledge, proven integrity, and unwavering dedication, coupled with a strategic understanding of the security needs of Lagos State. The Command has no doubt that he will deliver on his mandate successfully.
“Dr. Ogunsan’s continued valuable contributions to the LSSTF and his longstanding partnership with security agencies across the State have positioned him exceptionally well to steer the Fund towards greater operational efficiency, an outcome that will undoubtedly enhance public safety and security throughout Lagos State.
“The Lagos State Police Command once again warmly welcomes his appointment with deep optimism and hereby assures the new Executive Secretary of its unwavering partnership and cooperation. The Command is proud of him and immensely happy to be associated with him.
“The Lagos State Police Command looks forward to further strengthening the existing synergy, support, and operational collaboration with Dr. Ayo Ogunsan and the LSSTF team in ensuring the continued safety and protection of all residents and visitors in Lagos State.”
Prior to his appointment, Ogunsan was a Board Member of the Trust Fund.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Waidi Shaibu, has approved the appointment of some senior officers to top strategic command and positions, aimed to strengthen command structures and reposition the Nigerian Army for heightened operational effectiveness.
According to a statement by Army’s spokesperson, Lt.-Col. Apollonian Anele, on Thursday, the appointment cut across key command, staff and instructional positions across formations, units and training institutions of the Army.
Among the new appointees are: Major General Bamidele Alabi, who has been redeployed to Army Headquarters Department of Policy and Plans and appointed Chief of Policy and Plans (Army); Major General Jamal Abdulsalam, formerly Chief of Special Services and Programmes at Army Headquarters proceeds to Defence Headquarters Department of Operations as Chief of Defence Operations while Major General Peter Mala moves from Office of the National Security Adviser to Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian Army (TRADOC) as Commander.
Major General Samson Jiya, from Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC) moves to Defence Headquarters Department of Defence Accounts and Budget as Chief of Defence Accounts and Budget.
Other strategic appointments include, Major General Mayirenso Saraso from NAHFC to Army Headquarters Department of Operations as Chief of Operations (Army); Major General Isa Abdullahi from Defence Headquarters to Army Headquarters Department of Administration as Chief of Administration (Army); Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi from Army Headquarters to Department of Training to Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Affairs as Chief of Civil-Military Affairs. Major General Abubakar Haruna from NAHFC to Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC) Kontagora as Commander and Major General Philip Ilodibia from Army Headquarters Department of Policy and Plans to Defence Space Administration as Chief of Defence Space Administration.
Others are: Major General Godwin Mutkut, from Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) N’Djamena to Headquarters Infantry Corps Centre as Corps Commander Infantry, Major General Umar Abubakar from the Ministry of Defence to Headquarters Nigerian Army Armour Corps as Commander Armour Corps, Major General John Adeyemo moves from Nigerian Army School of Artillery (NASA) to Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery as Corps Commander Artillery and Major General Mohammed Abdullahi from Nigerian Army Cyberwarfare Command to Headquarters Nigerian Army Signals as Corps Commander Signals.
Also, Major General Taofik Sidick has been redeployed from the NAHFC to Headquarters Nigerian Army Finance Corps as Chief of Accounts and Budget (Army), Major General Abdullahi Ibrahim from NAHFC to Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps as Corps Commander Ordnance, Major General Adeyinka Adereti from Defence Headquarters to Headquarters Nigerian Army Electrical and Mechanical Engineers as Corps Commander, Major General Nansak Shagaya from Army Headquarters Department of Operations to Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport as Corps Commander Supply and Transport while Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed has been appointed acting Corps Commander Education.
The COAS also approved the appointment of Major General Oluyemi Olatoye, from Headquarters 82 Division/ Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna and appointed Commandant, Major General Emmanuel Mustapha from Defence Space Administration to Nigerian Army Signal School as Commandant, Major General Adamu Hassan from Nigerian Defence Section, Riyadh, to Nigerian Army School of Artillery as Commandant and Brigadier General John Bulus from Headquarters Nigerian Army Finance Corps to Nigerian Army School of Finance and Accounts as Commandant.
According to the statement, the senior officers appointed as field commanders includes, Major General Saidu Audu from Army Headquarters Department of Training to Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), N’Djamena, as Force Commander, Major General Warrah Idris from Defence Headquarters to Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA as Commander and Major General Oluremi Fadairo from Army Headquarters Department of Civil Military Affairs to 82 Division Nigerian Army, Enugu as General Officer Commanding and Commander Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA.
Other appointees are Major General Olatokumbo Bello as the Director Defence Media Operations at Defence Headquarters while Brigadier General Samaila Uba was redeployed from the Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji to Defence Headquarters as Director Defence Information.
The CIAS charged the new appointees to bring to bear their wealth of operational experience, administrative acumen and strategic foresight in driving a disciplined and combat-ready Army to decisively confront the contemporary and emerging security challenges.
He urged them to sustain the current operational momentum, strengthen interagency collaboration and remain unwavering in upholding the Nigerian Army’s core ethos of loyalty, selfless service, integrity and excellence.
Former Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Otunba Segun Runsewe, has bagged the award of Pillar of Nigerian Culture and Tourism.
The award was conferred on him by the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET), the umbrella body for Nigerian travel press, on Thursday, October 23 at a colourful ceremony held at the prestigious Sheraton Lagos Hotel and Towers.
He was among some distinguished Nigerians from public and private sectors, including the former Nigerian Minister of Tourism and Culture, Ambassador Frank Ogbuewu, who were honoured for their contributions to the growth and development of Nigerian tourism.
Other distinguished Nigerians conferred with awards were: Otunba Wanle Akinboboye (Foremost National Tourism Builder and Creative Mind), Mr. Jemi Alade (National Trailblazer in Inbound Tour Operation) Engineer Tarzan Ganiyu Shekoni Balogun (National Icon in Tourist Boat Operations and Water Transportation), Mr. Nkereuwem Onung (Icon of Consistency and Resilience in National Tourism Leadership), and Chief Abimbola Bode-Thomas (Hospitality and Tourism Management Amazon).
Speaking on the award conferred on Runsewe and the other awardees, the President of ANJET Mr. Okorie Uguru said the awards aim to promote the culture of service to the people, and also showing appreciation to those who have served the nation with distinction while holding public office.
He said: “It is not about celebrating those who are serving the country now, but showing appreciation to those who have served in the past, to challenge current political office holders to put in their best.
“The individuals and distinguished Nigerians we are honouring are among the people that built the visibility and growth the tourism industry is enjoying today… They have contributed, and are still contributing to the sector.
“As holders of institutional memories and archivists of this industry, we know the roles they have played and are still playing in the development of the Nigerian tourism industry. That is why years after some of our awardees have left public offices, we still call them to bestow this honours.”
While receiving the award, Runsewe lamented the inability of Nigeria to take tourism seriously. He said: “I stopped talking for some time because there are too many talks in tourism, there is no action. We come; we speak big English and go back. Today, I am going to reveal two or three things. The last time I came out was to speak to the new executives of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN). For me, I am almost tired of talking, because there is no action.
“Let me first of all thank Ambassador Ogbuewu today. He said he does not want to come, so I urged him to come. It is only the living that can be celebrated. Let us thank God that during our lifetime, we are being celebrated. It is not everybody that has that opportunity.
“I can stand anywhere and talk about this industry. I do not need a book.
“Ambassador Ogbuewu you would recollect that President Obasanjo took your very good self, led a delegation to Trinidad and Tobago. That was the day Obasanjo made a statement, he said ‘I going to stand on the existing protocol’. That was the first time they heard that English. The then president of Trinidad asked, ‘what is he talking about.’ That is a tourism brand.
“People do not understand tourism yet. People think it is only about moving from one place to the other. No. Let me reveal a few things: how many of us know the late Pastor T.B. Joshua. T.B. Joshua was selling religious tourism and nobody keyed into it? When T. B. Joshua was having his conference in Nigeria, there were over 20 private jets parked at the airport. I, maybe you did not know before today, I normally go to the airport to list how many countries they come from. I have my data. There is religious tourism in Nigeria. We have not tapped into it. We see them as pastors. Yes, pastors doing their job, but there is tourism content in what they are doing.
“If this country manages tourism well, we should not have a single child looking for a job. After agriculture, tourism is the biggest employer of labour, but we are still playing games, we are still telling ourselves stories.”
He thanked ANJET for the award and encouraged them to continue with the good work in the industry.
