Christmas is a Call to Recognize God’s Presence in Humanity – Rev. Fr. Atarah
As the world gears up for the annual festivities of Christmas, Rev. Fr. Jonas Richmond Awinibingya Atarah has reminded Christians that the season’s true essence lies far beyond commercial celebrations, decorations, and gift-giving.
Speaking on Bolga FM’s Tingmaalgo Sanga on December 17, 2025, the Chaplain of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus (Boygiss) and St. Joseph the Worker (Botech) shared a profound spiritual reflection on the incarnation of Christ and its implications for humanity.
The Meaning of the Incarnation
Rev. Fr. Jonas emphasized that Christmas is fundamentally the celebration of the Incarnation—the moment God became human in the person of Jesus Christ to bring salvation, hope, and love.
Referencing the biblical account of the census ordered by Emperor Augustus, Fr. Jonas provided a unique spiritual perspective:
”Christ was born in human nature to count humanity for God. This implies that the incarnation made humanity truly visible before God and the world.”
The Symbolism of the Magi’s Gifts
The Reverend Father drew deep theological links between the birth of Christ and the traditional “Mass,” explaining that the gifts offered to the Christ child reflect the transformation of the human condition.
Frankincense : Offered to dispel the “odour” of the world with the fragrance of spiritual life.
Gold (Oil of Life): Symbolizing Christ anointing the heads of humanity with eternal life.
Myrrh: Used to prepare the “body of humanity” to be spiritually buried and reborn in the womb of God.
A Reminder of Divine Presence
According to Fr. Jonas, the annual celebration serves as a vital reminder that God is active in our midst, determining our destiny and leading us out of darkness into the “light of life.”
He described the act of God becoming man as the ultimate gesture of humility and love.
”This act is a call for us to recognize the divine presence not only in our own lives but in the lives of others,” he noted.
Beyond the Festivities
In his concluding remarks, Rev. Fr. Jonas urged the public to move past the surface-level excitement of the season and embrace the sacredness of the occasion. He noted that true peace and joy—the core promises of the season—can only be found through:
Faith : Trusting in God’s manifested love.
Love: Recognizing the dignity of our fellow man.
Service : Living out the humility modeled by Christ.
”Christmas is much more than a festive season; it is a sacred celebration of God’s love manifested in Jesus Christ,” he added.
Source: Joseph Napoleon Anaaya/expressnewsghana.com
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