As Nigeria prepares for the 2025 Christmas celebrations, the season's significance extends far beyond its Christian origins, weaving into the nation's social fabric, security concerns, and efforts at national unity. This annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, marked globally on December 25, has evolved into a multifaceted period with deep impacts on believers and non-believers alike.
The Historical Roots and Modern Celebration
Christmas is fundamentally a Christian festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, with the nativity story detailed in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Historians note that the early Christians did not celebrate Jesus's birthday. According to Professor Christine Shepardson of the University of Tennessee, the tradition of marking December 25 emerged in the fourth century, around 300 AD, a pivotal era for shaping modern Christianity under Emperor Constantine.
Today, while the Western church observes Christmas on December 25, the Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates on January 7. In Nigeria, the season transforms the landscape. Government buildings and private offices are repainted in national colors, and homes dazzle with decorations. The air fills with festivities: children set off fireworks, youth groups perform and collect gifts, and individuals dressed as Santa Claus spread cheer, creating a widespread atmosphere of joy and community.
A Message of Peace and Acts of Unity
This year, Pope Leo XIV, head of the Roman Catholic Church, emphasized peace, brotherliness, and allowing Jesus Christ to guide lives in his Christmas message. He urged contemplation of the Nativity scene and Christmas tree as symbols of faith and hope, calling for prayers for victims of war and violence and the elimination of hatred.
In Nigeria, this spirit manifests in tangible acts. Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, attended a Christmas carol organized by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), stating that faith is a bridge to unity and progress. He described Christmas as a season promoting love, sacrifice, and compassion—virtues that transcend religion.
Similarly, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, distributed essential food items to widows and vulnerable members of the Christian community, with reports indicating over six million beneficiaries. These actions by leaders from Muslim-majority northern states demonstrate a powerful commitment to interfaith harmony and social support during the festive season.
Security Concerns and National Reassurance
The festive period is not without its challenges. Speculations about potential terrorist attacks aimed at destabilizing Christmas celebrations had raised fears among the Christian faithful. Consequently, warnings were issued against all-night vigils, and churches were advised to fortify gatherings with serious security measures.
However, President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians of a peaceful Christmas. This assurance is bolstered by practical steps, including the involvement of a United States security delegation in mapping terrorists' enclaves in some parts of the country before engagement. These measures aim to ensure the safety of lives and property during the 2025 celebrations.
Beyond the immediate festivities, Christmas serves as a catalyst for national integration, social rejuvenation, and psychological upliftment. It is a time when development unions meet, communities launch projects, and families reconcile. The season embodies the gospel principle of "love your neighbor as yourself," promoting actions that contribute to national development through genuine care and unity. In a diverse nation like Nigeria, Christmas stands as a powerful period for cultural renaissance and the promotion of peace and harmony across all religions.
