The President of Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, has felicitated with Christians on the occasion of the Christmas celebration but said the citizenry should be vigilant and secure their environment.
The CAN President however expressed optimism that better times were ahead “despite the challenges of fundamentalism, terrorism, natural disasters, disease, epidemics and other forms of societal challenges in the year.”
Oritsejafor in his Christmas message issued in Abuja said, “There are signs of hope, both in the Church and in our society.”
He said, “I congratulate all Christians on the occasion of Christmas and urge all Nigerians not to lose sight of the challenge of securing their environment even as they rejoice during the celebrations; we must all be security conscious and assist constituted authority in securing our property.
“Nigerians must realise the fact that the true essence of this celebration lies in the sacrifices that we make in the interest of a better and more prosperous Nigeria. This season is one that inspires sacrifice which gives hope to the down trodden in our midst.
“The joy that Christ brought to the world many years ago through His birth and still brings to our hearts today at Christmas should be shared to all. I remain confident that good will prevail over evil, as we genuinely reflect on these issues and renew our vows to God through the celebration of Christ’s birth at Christmas.”
He said 2014 had been a year of mixed fortunes – for individuals, for the Christian family, other faithful and the entire society but that “we have sailed through these trying times to the very moment we have found ourselves at present.”
Oritsejafor added, “The greatest news in the midst of these challenges is that of hope and the promise of better times ahead of us, which is the message of Christmas. The great joy with which families all over the world, including Nigeria welcome the season of Christmas should be allowed to permeate through the fabrics of the society.
“As we celebrate the solemnity of Christ’s birth, I urge all faithful to reflect on the happenings of the year, especially those moments that threatened the foundation and existence of our nation and work towards inspiring a positive change in our world.
“Christmas comes with peace, love, sacrifice and hope for a better future and these should be the preoccupation of all faithful during the celebrations. Faithful should never spare a moment to reflect on the these virtues even as they eat, drink and make merry.
“Eating chicken, Turkey and drinking wine often characterise this season but equally important at this time should be the virtues of peace, love, sacrifice and hope which should be the fulcrum of Nigeria’s progression into the New Year. Our actions, attitudes and entire body language in the coming year must reflect these three virtues.
“With love, the less privileged are cared for; with peace, key actors of conflict will be inspired to lay down their arms; and hope brings on the spirit of a new Nigeria; so ultimately these virtues could together make the difference in 2015.”
The cleric urged all faithful to “use this auspicious occasion of Christmas to re-establish their relationship with God and mend broken ties with their fellow human beings, Christmas cannot be said to be truly celebrated if this commitment is not kept.” Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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