THE season of Christmas is one that is looked forward to worldwide on an annual basis. The entire human race and nature itself seems to agree with the truth that something special happened in history during this season. Celebrating Christmas, the festival of Christ, is thus a global reality that permeates even the regions of the world where alternative faiths are practiced.At the Household of God Church led by the stylish Reverend Chris Okotie, Christmas is such a special time as the understanding of the significance of the coming of the Lord Jesus into our world as the savior of mankind is well entrenched in the message of the ministry. Thus the seriousness and pomp associated with celebrating this special time of the year.As it has become a tradition in the church, the celebration of Christmas is heralded by the adorning of the entire street where the church is located in the Oregun area of Lagos state with Christmas lights. The shrubs and trees within the entire church property are completely smothered with bright lights and crossbars are mounted on the street bearing Christmas lights which give the entire area a feeling of a 'mini heaven'.Reverend Okotie is noted to have said the church is willing and proud to spend millions of Naira every year on the creation of this ambience that is meant to reflect the importance and spiritual significance of the coming of Jesus as the savior.To make the whole exercise of putting up the lights more involving for members of the church and to encourage fellowship among the brethren, it has become an annual practice to get members of the church according to their birth months to handle the task of lighting designated areas of the church. This engenders a sense of positive rivalry as members seek to outdo one another in making sure their parts of the job come out looking better than those of other months.All the work done in lighting up the church is also focused on getting the church ready for the annual charity event, the GRACE program. This event, which is now quite popular both locally and internationally, is the climax of the ministry activities of the church every year. Thus, serious focus is placed on getting the church ready to receive the throng of visitors, statesmen, celebrities and charity recipients that attend the annual event.It is noteworthy to recognize the Karis Award, which is also now a very popular aspect of the Grace program. This is an award given by the Household of God Church annually to a Nigerian who has distinguished himself or herself in the service of the nation in whichever field but who has not been properly recognized by government. Thus the entire socio- political space of the nation always looks forward to know who the next great Nigerian to be celebrated by Reverend Chris Okotie and The Household of God will be. Some of such distinguished Nigerians have eventually been recognized by government after they were highlighted by the church.It should be noted that the award is given to any distinguished Nigerian irrespective of religious dispositions as the award is for national service and not spiritual rectitude. Therefore, in identifying the annual recipients, Reverend Chris Okotie and the members of the church look beyond such provincialisms and focus on the objective, which is, identifying a true national hero. This perhaps is why the award has become so popular and people who ordinarily are not expected to attend a church function have been present at the Grace program of the Household of God church through the years to witness the celebration of yet another national icon.The recipient of the award for this year will be the great goal keeper of the national team, the Green Eagles in the 80s, the nations' cup winning team, Chief Emmanuel Okala.Another popular aspect of the program is the Queen Esther Pagaent. This is a costume beauty contest, which was introduced into the program in the year 2006 by the ever creative Reverend Chris Okotie. In this contest, ladies in the church who participate dress up in costumes reminiscent of biblical times and they chose female characters from the bible that they depict. The panel of judges selects the best costume and that particular lady is crowned queen Esther for the year. Rehearsals are on presently preparatory to the contest for this year which will hold during theThe Hallelujah Party is another aspect of in which all members of the church dress up as biblical characters and fellowship with food and drinks flowing freely. This did not take place for a number of years becauseof a change in ministry focus but the Reverend has recently announced that the party will return in February of year 2012 as part of the celebration of the 25thanniversary of the ministry.The perspective from which the Household of God sees Christmas is directly related to the glamour attached to the celebration. It is the belief of Reverend Chris Okotie that though the world has lost the true meaning of Christmas as is evident in the view from which people celebrate the season, the church must shine the light to reestablish the true essence of the season. It is not just a time to eat, drink and be merry but a time to recognize the love of God for mankind, His creation, that made Him and makes Him come to mankind seeking reconciliation and fellowship.Thus the Household of God seeks to bring this message to the nation and the world at large in its own peculiar and contemporary manner to cut across the broad spectrum of people that are exposed to and interface with the ministry.Christmas and Christianity are about taking the light of the revelation of the one true God and shining it on the hearts of men to bring about transformation of individual lives and by projection, through national rebirth.
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