A popular Catholic Priest, Reverend Father Chinenye Oluoma, has explained why Christians across the world celebrate Christmas annually.
Oluoma’s explanation is in reaction to the statement by the general overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Daniel Olukoya, that Christmas is “unbiblical”.
However, Reverend Oluoma disagreed with Olukoya, saying Christmas is celebrated by Christians as a mystery of the birth of Jesus Christ.
We gathered that the cleric, in a Facebook post titled Where Is It In The Bible?, further explained that there were many practices in Christianity which were not recorded in the Bible.
He argued that there are many other festivities such as mother’s day, attendance vigils, etc. that Christians engage in but are not in the Bible. Oluoma added that the Bible is not against their celebration.
“Easter as a term is not in the Bible but we celebrate easter because it’s an event and a mystery recorded in scripture.
“Same with Christmas, it’s not the term or calendar date we celebrate but the event and mystery,” Oluoma explained
*BY WHAT AUTHORITY…?*
It is that time of the year when there is so much festivity in the country. In many parts of the world, December 25 is celebrated among religious people as the birthday of Christ. By what authority is this done?
Colossians 3.23 says: _*And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him*_
To do anything in the name of the Lord is to do it by His authority.
*Why is it evil to celebrate Christmas as a religious festival?*
1. *No divine authority for it.*
*Is Christmas commanded anywhere by the Lord, His Holy Apostles and Prophets?*
The Gospels of Matthew and Luke give account of the birth of Jesus Christ. In both books, there is no proof of December 25 as the day Jesus was born. In the entire Scripture, the exact year, month, and day is not revealed. Adding to God’s word or removing from it has disastrous consequences (Revelation 22.18-19)
History records that this date was adopted at least 300 years after Christianity began and it was by human authority.
As Christians, we have the liberty to enjoy National Holidays like Worker’s Day, Independence Day, etc. (Romans 14.1-23). But to observe Christmas as a religious festival is sinful because it demands going beyond what is written.
Among proponents of Christmas, there is no global agreement on the birthdate of Christ. Almost every month of the year has been adopted by different religious groups to celebrate Christmas. Do you think the Holy Spirit would have kept us in the dark on this issue if it was as important as it has been made to be?
2. *Life begins at birth*
Jesus Christ was not born. He incarnated. His Spirit pre-existed His body (John 1.1-2). For the rest of us, our lives began in the womb of our mothers. Jesus existed before John the Baptist (John 1.30), before Abraham (John 8.58). Melchizedek was made like Him (Hebrews 7.3). Jesus is Immanuel—God with us. He was made in the likeness of a man. He is not like the rest of us. *If birthdays celebrate one’s beginning and Christ had no beginning, would the celebration of His birthday not suggest that He is not divine?*
*How Should Jesus Christ be Remembered?*
1. *Through Water Baptism.*
All those who are in the world are expected to experience a new birth by obeying the Gospel of Christ. Jesus said in Matthew 28.18-20 “ _All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age_ “ *If we have been united with Him in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His* (Romans 6.5)
2. *Through Communion.*
Jesus commanded us to eat the unleavened bread and fruit of the vine in commemoration of His death. Apostle Paul said _For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when He was betrayed took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. *Do this in remembrance of me.* In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes_ (1Corinthians 11.23-27)
In the Church of Christ, we have no “Christmas” service because our Lord and Master has no beginning and no end. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever! Hebrews 13.8. We remember His sacrifice on the cross weekly (every first day of the week) and not annually.
*Recommended Reading:* Luke 2.1-14; Matthew 1.18-23; John 1.1-2,14; Philippians 2.6-8; Galatians 4.4-7; Acts 20.7; Matthew 26.26-28; Luke 22.14-17; Mark 14.22-25; 1Peter 4.11; 1Corinthians 4.6; 2Thessalonians 2.15; Colossians 2.16-17; Galatians 4.10-11
_Are you willing to practice the truth that can set you free?_ Contact any church of Christ near you or call +234-906-189-1819
http://www.evangelismportal.org
*Daniel Jimi 2019*
Some so call general over share (GO) are just derailed misleading there followers, making themselves a laughing stalk, were is it in thy bible GO, AGO, power must change hand and so on, we need to change from are low mental ability and focus on Salvation of the lost Soul daily.