BY Ebi Nieketien
THE Senior Pastor, Royal Priesthood Divine Assembly, Asaba, Pastor Sam Onitiri, has described Christmas as a celebration centred on an event rather than a specific date, stressing that its true essence lies in the birth of Jesus Christ.
Speaking during an interview, Pastor Onitiri clarified that Christmas should not be restricted to December 25, noting that what truly matters was the celebration of Christ’s birth and not the calendar date attached to it.
“Christmas is not just a date; Christmas is a celebration. It is a day, not a date.
They are two different things. We are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. People can decide to celebrate it in January or even November, just like birthdays that may fall on a weekday but are celebrated on a more convenient day.
“So, we must realise that the event is what is important, not the date itself. It is the coming of a Saviour, God Himself coming down to live with man. That is what we must celebrate,” he said
The cleric explained that the core of Christmas is the divine event of God coming to dwell with humanity, as revealed in the Bible. Quoting Matthew 1:21, he noted that Jesus came as a Saviour to redeem mankind from sin, while verse 23 describes Him as Emmanuel, meaning “God with us.”
According to Pastor Onitiri, the significance of Christmas lies in God’s humility and love in choosing to live among men.
He added that the celebration of Christmas transcends religious boundaries, stressing that it is an event worthy of recognition by everyone, regardless of their faith.
Pastor Onitiri further referenced John 1:1 and verse 14, which describe Jesus as the Word who was with God and became flesh to dwell among men, reinforcing the spiritual foundation of Christmas.
He urged Christians to focus on the true meaning of the season by reflecting on the message of salvation, humility, and God’s presence with humanity, rather than being distracted by dates and festivities alone.
