The Methodist Church in Fiji is voicing significant concerns regarding the escalating instances of alcohol abuse and public disorder that have become increasingly prevalent during the Christmas season. Church leaders urge the community to reconnect with the true essence of the holiday, emphasizing that its spiritual roots have been overshadowed.
Reverend Dr. Semisi Turagavou, the President of the Methodist Church, highlighted that Christmas represents the birth of Christ and should be a celebration of God’s love and His arrival into the world, rather than a time of excessive drinking and irresponsible behavior. He noted that the festive spirit is being eclipsed by indulgence, which deviates from the holiday’s true meaning.
“Christmas is Christ’s birthday. Someone else’s birthday. Not my birthday, not your birthday, not our birthdays. But the meaning, the language, and meaning are very important in Christmas. We are celebrating God’s love. We are celebrating God’s coming to the world,” said Rev. Dr. Turagavou. He advocates for a return to the original message of the season, promoting it as a time for spiritual reflection and devotion instead of personal celebrations.
The Reverend is calling on Christian leaders from various denominations to unite in restoring the authentic essence of Christmas. He expressed regret over how the day has become synonymous with drinking, lamenting, “So in today’s society, we see Christmas as a day of drinking. Drinking alcohol, yagona, whatever. We see people moving around doing that without recognizing that this Christmas or the festive season is all about God coming to our world.”
In response to these concerns, the Methodist Church is encouraging families to engage in reflective practices and embrace faith-centered celebrations. Their message conveys a sense of hope and unity, aiming to remind the public of the meaningful traditions and spiritual significance that Christmas ought to embody. This initiative serves as a call for a more conscientious observance of the holiday, focusing on love and faith rather than excess.