As Christians across Nigeria and the world celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, prominent bishops have delivered powerful messages urging a recommitment to love, holiness, and righteous living. The clerics emphasized that the festive season is a time to extend God's compassion to others and to anchor hope in divine providence, especially amid the nation's socio-economic difficulties.
Call for Love, Peace, and Hope
Bishop Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo described Christmas as a period for caring deeply for others, mirroring God's love in sending His Son. He tasked Nigerians with recommitting to righteousness and the fear of God.
Similarly, Archbishop Isaac Nwaobia of the Aba Ecclesiastical Province (Anglican Communion) reminded the faithful that Christmas signifies God's immeasurable love, bringing light and salvation. He called on Christians to promote peace, unity, tolerance, and love within their families and communities.
From Lagos, Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins, through his Director of Social Communications, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu, encouraged Nigerians not to lose hope but to place their trust solely in God during these trying times.
Emphasis on Servant Leadership and Righteousness
A strong theme from the pulpit was a charge to the nation's leaders. Archbishop Peter Ogunmuyiwa of The African Church's Abuja Metropolitan Province urged those in authority to emulate the humble, servant leadership of Jesus Christ. He also charged Christians to use the season as an opportunity to show kindness and God's love to their neighbours.
Echoing the call for moral integrity, Bishop Ifedola Gabriel Okupevi of the Diocese of Lagos (Anglican Communion) charged every citizen, including leaders, to recommit to truth, righteousness, and the fear of God. He stated that the Yuletide season reminds all that Jesus Christ brings peace, justice, and hope.
Christmas as an Anchor Amid Challenges
Bishop Peter Kayode Odetoyinbo of the Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta directly addressed the country's mounting challenges. He urged Nigerians to place their hope for peace in Jesus Christ, underscoring that genuine peace comes not through power but through humility, love, and faith—symbolized by Christ's birth in a manger.
The bishop encouraged the populace to lay their worries, families, work, and the nation itself at the manger of Jesus Christ, trusting God for healing, peace, and fulfilment. The collective messages from these leaders highlight Christmas as a spiritual anchor and a call to practical love and ethical governance in Nigeria.
