Rev. Fr. Jonas Richmond Awinibingy Atarah of the Chaplaincy of St. Theresah of the Child Jesus, Boygiss, and St. Joseph the Worker Chaplaincy, Botech, has shared reflections on the deeper spiritual meaning of Christmas, urging Christians to look beyond the festivities and rediscover its true significance.
Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated festivals worldwide, marked by joy, gift-giving, and festive decorations. However, Rev. Fr. Atarah noted that beneath the commercial and social celebrations lies a profound spiritual message that calls for reflection and faith.
According to him, the annual celebration of Christmas serves as a reminder that God is present among humanity, determining destinies, saving the world from darkness, and offering the light of life. He explained that the word “Christmas” is derived from “Christ” and “Mass,” symbolizing the celebration of Christ offered for the salvation of humanity.
Rev. Fr. Atarah noted that the gifts presented to Jesus at birth carry deep symbolic meaning. Frankincense, he explained, represents the fragrance of life meant to dispel the corruption of the world; oil signifies the anointing of humanity with divine life; and myrrh foreshadows sacrifice, symbolizing humanity being prepared for renewal in God.
Quoting scripture, he said, “In those days, a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered,” explaining that Christ was born in human nature to “count humanity for God.” This, he said, reflects the incarnation—God becoming man—which restored humanity’s place before God and the world.
Rev. Fr. Atarah emphasized that Christmas is fundamentally the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who came into the world to bring salvation, hope, and love to humanity.
“The real meaning of Christmas is the incarnation of God’s love,” he said. “Christmas marks the incarnation—God becoming human in the person of Jesus Christ.”
He described the incarnation as an act of humility and divine love, calling on believers to recognize God’s presence in their lives and in others.
In conclusion, Rev. Fr. Atarah said Christmas is more than a festive season, describing it as a sacred celebration of God’s love revealed through Jesus Christ. He urged Christians to celebrate the season through faith, love, and service to others in order to experience the true joy and peace promised by Christmas.
Rev. Fr. Jonas Richmond Awinibingy Atarah shared these reflections on Bolga FM’s Tingmaalgo Sanga programme on December 17, 2025.
Source: A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | Joseph Napoleon Anaaya | Bolgatanga
