The Methodist Archbishop of Umuahia, Most Reverend Dr. Chibuzo Raphael Opoko has urged Christians to use Christmas this year, to renew their hope for a better and robust Nigeria.
Bishop Opoko states this while Interacting with our correspondent Felix Obani on phone on the significance of Christmas.
Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world.
Christmas Day is a public holiday in many countries, is observed religiously by a majority of Christians, as well as celebrated culturally by many non-Christians, and forms an integral part of the annual holiday season.
Bishop Opoko in his 2024 Christmas message made available to newsmen in Umuahia, said in the face of economic hardships, insecurity, food insecurity. corruption, and social divides, the spirit of Christmas reminds everyone of resilience and the power of collective action.
Just as the birth of Christ brought light into a troubled world, Opoko noted that people too can shine as individuals and as a united people by fostering understanding, compassion, and integrity in their actions for a better community and Nation.
Bishop Opoko urged believers to renew their commitment to peace, dialogue and development from the bustling cities to the quiet villages.
As Christians merry, the priest urged people to embrace the spirit of Christmas by sharing kindness with those in need, offering forgiveness, and extending compassion to the lonely and the hurting.
According to him, Christmas is a season to reflect on the blessings people have and to be a blessing to others.
He identified that Nigeria as Africa’s most populous nation, is a country with immense potential but faces significant challenges across various sectors.
Bishop Opoko said the country is faced with food insecurity with acute poverty that has been evidenced by the loss of lives caused by stampede during the presentation of palliatives in Ibadan, Akwa in Anambra State and Abuja, widespread insecurity, including terrorism by groups like Boko Haram, banditry, kidnappings, and communal clashes.
Despite being rich in natural resources, Bishop Opoko pointed out that Nigeria is struggling with high unemployment rates, inflation, and a declining standard of living. The methodist Archbishop of Umuahia said corruption remains a pervasive issue, undermining public trust and draining resources that could be used for development.
He therefore said the obvious lack of reliable infrastructure roads, electricity, healthcare, and education hinders economic growth and reduces the quality of Iife for millions, advising Nigeria to focus on God.
Also speaking on the significance of Christmas celebration, the state chairman Pentecost fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, Bishop Chikezie Elekwa reminded believers that Christmas is a time to celebrate God’s mercy.
According to him, Christmas is a time to remember that Jesus has taken away the sins of everyone by agreeing to come as a human being in order to save humanity.
He added that Christmas is a time to live in peace and glorify God and further share his taught on the celebration of Christmas.
Bishop Elekwa congratulated Christians and thanked God who made it possible for His children to celebrate Him again. “It is not a time to eat, dance and wear new clothes”.
The Priest in charge of Saint Gerald’s Catholic Parish Umuariaga Ikwuano LGA of Abia State, Reverend Father Ignatius Ibe encouraged Christians to celebrate Christmas in Peace, love and reconciliation which Jesus is known for.
Father Ibe stated that the presence of Christians should bring joy not sorrow, peace not crisis everywhere they step in.
He advised that believers should celebrate with others and dine with them as Elizabeth celebrated her mother Mary whom she came to celebrate when she heard that God had blessed her mother with a child Jesus.
The priest recalled the story of Luke chapter 1, verse 39 to 45 which dwelt on the moment when people share their Joy about the birth of Jesus. Father Ibe maintained that the name given to Jesus Emmanuel which means God is with us, is a testament that the birth of Jesus is the foundation of the salvation God gave His people.
Father Ignatius Ibe pointed out that the birthday of Jesus ushered joy to the world and used the opportunity to wish Christians happy Christmas and prosperous new year.
