Story By Iyiola Ayomide
In a recent interview on TVC News, Reverend Sam Aboyeji, the General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church, shed light on the true essence of Christmas. While the holiday has become a global celebration marked by festivities, traveling, and commercial activities, Reverend Aboyeji emphasized that the core of Christmas goes beyond these activities.
According to him, Christmas signifies the beginning of God’s redemptive work through the birth of His Son, Jesus Christ. He highlighted the profound message of John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son." This act of divine love and generosity is the foundation of the Christian faith and the essence of the Christmas celebration.
“Christmas is the celebration of God’s gift to humanity. It is not just about baking cakes, decorating Christmas trees, or spending on festivities. It’s about recognizing the humility, selflessness, and generosity exemplified by Christ,” Reverend Aboyeji stated.
While addressing the debate within some Christian denominations about the actual date of Christ’s birth, Reverend Aboyeji downplayed the importance of pinpointing the exact day. He likened the situation to his late mother, who celebrated her birthday based on the atmosphere rather than an exact date. “For me, the fact that Christ was born is what matters. Whether it’s celebrated in December or another month is secondary,” he explained.
Reverend Aboyeji encouraged Christians to use the season as an opportunity to reflect Christ’s love by sharing with others, helping the less fortunate, and deepening their commitment to faith. He urged believers to see the period as a time for generosity, humility, and renewed dedication to spiritual growth.
“Share the love of Christ by making Him known. Celebrate Him by demonstrating selflessness and generosity. Christmas is about hope, joy, and peace, and this spirit should guide our actions during this season,” he concluded.
The interview served as a reminder of the spiritual significance of Christmas amidst the commercialized celebrations, calling on Christians to embody the virtues that Christ exemplified.