The crisp winter air of 1980s Kohima, tinged with the faint aroma of pine, always carried a melody—Jim Reeves crooning from a neighbor’s stereo, children’s laughter echoing down the hill as we prepared for Christmas caroling. These moments shaped not only my childhood but also my understanding of Christmas as a celebration of love, unity, and hope that transcends time and place.
The Nostalgia of Childhood Celebrations
As children, we eagerly participated in caroling. After dinner, we would gather with friends,armed with enthusiasm and a humble Lactogen tin to collect donations from neighbors. The thrill of singing in harmony under a starlit sky, the sound of coins dropping into the tin, and the promise of an adventurous picnic the next day made each caroling night magical. These funds were used to organize a simple picnic—a day filled with food, fun, and exploring the jungle below the Kohima Assam Rifles camp.
Caroling wasn’t just about singing; it was a cherished adventure and a lesson in togetherness. Going door-to-door taught us that Christmas wasn’t about receiving gifts but about sharing joy and being part of a larger community.
Church services were another highlight of the season, offering moments of reflection and reverence. As the congregation joined in singing “Silent Night,” the sense of peace and hope was almost tangible. These gatherings reminded us of the love and grace that Christ’s birth brought into the world, fostering a deep spiritual connection that enriched the season.
The Growing Commercialization of Christmas
While these memories define the Christmases of my youth, I’ve also observed how the spirit of the season has evolved over the years, sometimes straying from its essence. In some parts of Nagaland, the sale of calendars and Christmas stars—sometimes accompanied by undue pressure—has raised concerns about the purity of the celebration. In certain cases, people of other faiths feel compelled to contribute financially—an act that risks diluting the true spirit of the season.
This shift offers an opportunity to reflect and recalibrate. Are our celebrations honoring Christ, or have they become more about indulgence and outward display? Matthew 10:8 reminds us, “Freely you have received; freely give.” Christ’s message, rooted in humility and service, stands in stark contrast to materialism. By prioritizing simplicity and grace, we can realign our celebrations with the true meaning of Christmas.
Acts That Embody the Spirit of Christmas
In Shillong, I have witnessed acts of kindness that beautifully capture the essence of Christmas. Christians have organized meal drives for orphans and street dwellers, ensuring even the less fortunate feel the joy of the season. Young students, braving the cold, distribute blankets and food to beggars. Traffic police personnel, often unnoticed in the hustle and bustle, are offered tea, coffee, and Christmas cakes as tokens of appreciation.
These simple yet profound gestures remind us that Christmas is more than a celebration—it is a season of service. Matthew 25:35-40 encapsulates this spirit: “For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited me in; I needed clothes, and you clothed me; I was sick, and you looked after me; I was in prison, and you came to visit me.” Through acts of kindness, we mirror Christ’s love and bring His light into others’ lives.
Lessons from Traditions Across Cultures
Christmas traditions around the world highlight simplicity, generosity, and faith. In Nordic countries, the focus is often on family and togetherness, with meals prepared thoughtfully and homes adorned with handcrafted decorations. In the Philippines, Simbang Gabi (early morning mass) reflects deep devotion during the season.
In Nagaland, church choirs practice for weeks to perform on Christmas Day, creating a spiritual and musical experience that unites communities. The Christmas feast, typically a potluck, reflects the beauty of sharing and collective joy. These varied traditions share a common thread: they emphasize relationships and spiritual reflection over material pursuits.
From these traditions, we can draw inspiration to rekindle the deeper meaning of Christmas in our own lives and communities.
A Call to Noble Acts
Christmas is an opportunity to live out Christ’s teachings through tangible actions:
1. Serve the Needy: This Christmas, think about how you can serve the homeless—whether through a meal drive or by simply offering a warm coat. Proverbs 19:17 reminds us, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord.”
2.Appreciate Community Workers: Show gratitude to traffic police, healthcare workers, and sanitation staff with refreshments or tokens of appreciation. Romans 13:7 urges us to “give honor where honor is due.”
3.Foster Relationships: This season, mend broken ties and extend forgiveness. Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
4. Prioritize Worship: Amidst the celebrations, dedicate time to prayer and reflection. Psalm 95:6 invites us: “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.”
5. Share the Gospel: Use this season to share the message of salvation. Romans 1:16 declares: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.”
The True Meaning of Christmas
At its core, Christmas is a celebration of God’s greatest gift to humanity—His Son, Jesus Christ. John 3:16 encapsulates this truth: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
The nativity points us to the Cross, where God’s love was fully realized. It’s a reminder that Christmas isn’t just about festivities but about embracing the hope and redemption brought by Christ’s birth.
Conclusion
Christmas invites us to rise above commercialization and reflect Christ’s humility, love, and grace. By serving others, sharing His message, and dedicating time to worship, we can transform this season into a living testimony of God’s greatest gift to humanity.
How will you share His love this Christmas?
Meyu Changkiri
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