Christmas is Not Keeping

There is a somber mood in Jamaica this Christmas season. Many Jamaicans feel guilty to celebrate Christmas because thousands of their countrymen are without the necessities. The government and private businesses have cancelled Christmas parties in solidarity with those in the west and are instead funneling funds into recovery for many Jamaicans who lost nearly everything after the passage of Hurricane Melissa. Individuals who usually decorate their homes with numerous lights have decided not to do so at this time because of the impact of the hurricane. Many Jamaicans say that “Christmas is not keeping” this year, which is a colloquial way of saying there won’t be many celebrations this season. However, although many lights may not go up for Christmas, we must never forget that without Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, there would be no Christmas.

Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” John 8:12

The truth is when Hurricane Melissa wreaked havoc on the country’s electrical grids plummeting over 70% of the electric company’s customers into darkness, there was already spiritual darkness long before. Many Jamaicans had strayed away from the Light of the world and others did not want His light. Israel too had been walking in darkness before Jesus came and fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy.

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them. You shall multiply the nation, You shall increase their gladness; They will be glad in Your presence as with the gladness of harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.For You shall break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, as at the battle of Midian. For every boot of the booted warrior in the battle tumult, and cloak rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire. For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:2-7

The Light, Emanuel, is here with us, but unfortunately many people have turned a blind eye to His presence. They have eyes to see, but they do not see Him and so they have not recognized Him as their Saviour. They do not want Him to break the yoke of bondage on their shoulders, or to rest the government on His shoulders. Too many people strive to do things their own way. Therefore, they do not have peace that surpasses all understanding, which comes from the Prince of Peace, Himself. They do not want His justice and righteousness which is the bedrock of His Kingdom, so they remain on a shaky foundation. There is waning zeal for the Lord. Over the past weekend, there was a prayer vigil for the nation on Zoom in which they spoke about statistics that state that only 30% of Jamaicans go to church while 56% rarely or never go.  And over 20% are of no religion. Could this be a result of a lack of understanding of the Light?

In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. John 1:4-5, 9-11

Could it be that the reason why Christmas is not keeping for many is because they have not accepted Jesus? Christmas is not about the lights, the food and drinks, but rather it is about receiving the Light of the world, the Bread of Life, who is also the Living Water. If you have nothing material, but have Jesus, then you have everything. Many Jamaicans after losing all their possessions thanked God for life because where there is life there is hope. Jesus is the truth, the way and life. He is our hope. He is the Light that overcomes the darkness who many do not understand. This Christmas I hope that people will see the Light and receive Him and get out of spiritual darkness. With Him Christmas is always keeping. I hope we all see the Light of the world this Christmas no matter how dark it is around us.