Some Christians in Abuja have described Christmas as significant not just in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ but also showing love, humility, peace and sharing with others.Christian faithful believe that Jesus came to salvage all of humanity from their sins and give them access to God.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports thearound the world, the festival of Christmas marks religious holiday and a time for families and friends to show love to one another.The term Christmas, which means ‘mass on Christ’s day, is being referred to differently by countries around the globe.
For instance, it is referred to as Yuletide in Germany, Navidad in Spanish, Natale in Italian and Noël in French.
Christians, who spoke with NAN on the significance, said it was a season for reconciliation, love, peaceful coexistence and a time to have deep reflections “on our Christian life”.
The General Overseer, All Christian Fellowship Mission, Rev. William Okoye, admonished Christian faithful to use the occasion of Christmas to live right and touch the lives of the needy in the society.
He said that the call to be generous was necessary in order to reach out to the less privileged to enable them share in the joy of the season.
Pastor Oloche Adaji of the City of Refuge International Church advised Christians against reckless celebration of Christmas.Adaji admonished Christians to avoid sins, while celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
He explained that the day, which signified the birth of Christ, should be celebrated joyfully but with caution in order not to offend God.
Rev. Sam Oye, Lead Pastor of the Transforming Churchx, cautioned Christians against negative lifestyle injurious to their image and health under the guise of celebrating Christmas.Oye said that what was required of every good Christian, “is to seek God’s presence in all activities during the period”.
The Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, Bishop of Abuja Diocese and Primate of All Nigeria Anglican Communion, urged Christians to be moderate in the celebration of Christmas and New Year festivals.
The Primate cautioned against taking loan or borrowing just to celebrate during the yuletide.“Christmas is about godliness as such people should strive to be righteous rather than engaging in wastages and extravagant lifestyles that could lead them to debt.“Godliness and contentment is a virtue, the festive period is not a time to cut corners, steal and kill.”
He encouraged people to share what they have and show love to those who have little and emulate Jesus Christ’s virtue of humility, discipline, love and contentment,” he said.
Rev. Festus Oniyide, the Regional Overseer, Apostolic Faith Church appealed to Christians to show love and care during the yuletide.
He said that was the main significance of Christmas.Pastor Glorious Abu of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (Christ the Wonderful Parish) Lugbe,said the significance of Christmas was the sharing of the joy of the coming of Christ; “the birth of Christ brings peace” .
“The birth of Christ has nothing attached to food or drinks which at times want to over shadow the main reason of love and happiness ” he said.
He advised Christians to always put Christ’s coming, “which is the reason for the season” as a reminder to the Christmas celebration.
