Wale Adedayo
In the midst of the festive season, many are joyously celebrating the arrival of the Word of God, known to them as Christmas. However, a contemplative perspective reveals a poignant observation: the emphasis on the physical vessel of celebration rather than the profound essence of the Word itself.
It is disheartening that, as the Word affirmed during His physical presence, there are other sheep and consequently, other Shepherds. The cautionary foresight of a repackaged portrayal that would be abhorrent upon His Second Coming is evident. The warning rings clear – those who, despite performing miracles and invoking His Name, fail to truly know Him will be rejected.
Christianity, for some, rests on two foundational pillars: the Gifts of God through the Holy Spirit and the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. The promise to pour out His Spirit on all, transcending race, creed, or social standing, is a universal invitation. Yet, amidst this divine offering, some exploit His Name for worldly gain, obscuring the true spiritual essence.
The mere possession of spiritual gifts or the ability to perform miracles is insufficient. Uttering His Name without genuine fidelity to His Word is hollow. The imperative lies in embodying faithfulness and loyalty to His teachings, allowing His awesome Presence to permeate the lives of believers and their surroundings.
The manifestation of His Gifts, expressed through the Fruits borne by adherents, holds the key to unlocking heavenly treasures. Paradoxically, an alarming trend emerges – an increase in proclamations of His Name seems correlated with rising poverty, crime, and moral degradation. The disconnect between verbal profession and tangible manifestation raises questions about the authenticity of faith.
Drawing from the Yoruba tradition, gratitude is expressed for the divine wisdom bestowed by Olodumare through Orunmila. Through the ages, it has been proven that the utterances of Ifa, the wisdom of their fathers, are fulfilled without fail. A sagacious understanding of the intersection of faiths allowed their ancestors to welcome diverse influences without compromising their spiritual grounding.
A poignant call is extended to Christian friends, urging introspection on the alignment of their actions with the teachings of Galatians 5:22-23 – the Fruits of the Spirit. The reflection includes a reminder that genuine love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control should be the guiding principles in one’s life.
The message echoes a profound truth – one cannot claim allegiance to His Name while perpetuating violence, lies, or willful enslavement. The legacy of Great Awo, emphasizing the development of the individual and manifesting the Word in actions, serves as an exemplary model for believers.
Amidst the holiday celebrations, the ultimate wish is for all to live the Word rather than merely vocalize it. In the spirit of Christmas, may the profound teachings of love and peace be embraced and reflected in the lives of believers. Merry Christmas to all!
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