Yanbothung Kikon
Jasokie colony UNB-B, Burma Camp
As the Christmas Season approaches, people around the world prepare to celebrate Homes are decorated, families make plans to gather, and joyful songs fill the air. In some places, these celebrations are accompanied by the loud and colorful display of firecrackers, But as believers in Jesus Christ, we must pause and ask our self, is this how God wants us to celebrate the birth of His Son? Does using firecrackers as part of a Christmas celebration help me or others draw closer to Christ.
The use of firecrackers is neither rooted in scripture nor found in the story of Christ's birth. (It is considered an alien culture). In fact, it can distract us from the true meaning of the season. Christmas is not about noise, lights, or spectacle. It is about humble arrival of Jesus, the Saviour of the world. He was not bom in a palace surrounded by trumpets and crowds, but in a quiet stable and laid in a manger (Luke 2:11). The simplicity and humility of His birth call us to celebrate with reverence, peace, and reflection, not with loud explosions or environmental harm. In truth, firecrackers go against the spirit of peace. Jesus is called the prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6) Firecrackers create noise, air pollution and disturbance. They often cause stress, anxiety, and discomfort especially to the elderly, the sick, young children, pets, and even neighbours trying to rest or worship. Jesus taught us to love our neighbours (Mark 12:31) and the apostle Paul reminds us that "Love does no harm to a neighbor" (Romans 13:10) When we knowingly cause harm or disturbance for the sake of celebration, we are not walking in love.
As followers of Christ, we are called to live peacefully and be mindful of how our actions affect others (Romans 1218). Moreover, firecrackers damage the environment, releasing smoke, chemicals, and litter into the air and land. God has entrusted us to be good stewards of His creation (Genesis 2:15). Celebrating Christmas in ways that pollute the earth does not honor the creator or the gift of life He gave us through Jesus. Instead of using firecrackers, let us choose to celebrate Christmas in ways that reflect Christ's love, humility, and peace. Let us not be carried away by worldly customs that distracts us from Christ. Firecrackers may seem exciting for a moment, but they are temporary and empty compared to the eternal joy found in Jesus (Colossians 3:2). This Christmas, may our focus be on Christ, our hearts filled with His peace, and our actions guarded by His word. Let us remember: Firecrackers are not a part of the biblical celebration of Christ's birth,. We are called to reflect His love and light in quiet and meaningful ways (Luke 2:14)
