At this season in Bethlehem, a little town of no consequence, something phenomenal took place on a dark, starry and wintry night.
It was a holy night when floods of light swarmed around some shepherds abiding by their sheep by night.
Then came the sonorous voices of the angelic host, heralding the birth of a unique child born of a virgin woman by the name of Mary, and espoused to Joseph from the lineage of David.
The message from the angels was succinct a saviour christened Jesus Christ has been born.
This is the genesis of Christmas.
Jesus’ birth, a special gift to men by God, was one that offered hope to humanity hitherto condemned to eternal loss by the grievous fall in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve disobeyed God.
The mood of the heralding angel captured the immeasurable mercy of God offered unto men, even in their sinful state as the angels chorused, glory be to God in the highest and on earth, peace and goodwill to all men.
Undoubtedly, humanity today is in dire need of peace as the world grapples with one turmoil or the other.
In Nigeria for example, citizens currently swim against the tide of insecurity, kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, ritual killings and terrorism with people living in apprehension day and night and uncertain of tomorrow.
God foreseeing the state of things sent Jesus Christ, known as the Prince of Peace, Emmanuel, Counselor, Wonderful and Everlasting father to offer a way out of the turbulence.
The route to this lies in his lifestyle which is an incomparable model for man to follow.
As a shepherd, his leadership example is a beacon to all those in positions of authority today on how to manage and ensure the welfare of people.
Typically, peace is the rallying point of this season and goodwill; hence, Nigerians should do all within their power to promote harmony across religious, political and ethnic divides.
Like Jesus Christ, political leaders should demonstrate goodwill towards the populace by formulating policies that will promote their well-being.
Leaders need to relate with their followers with every sense of humility giving room to criticisms despite their positions, for the birth of Jesus Christ exemplified humility, as he was born in a manger, though King of kings and Lord of lords.
Citizens, on their part, should also complement the efforts of leaders by shunning activities that endanger peace including provocative utterances, the spreading of fake news and all forms of violence.
Religious leaders equally also have a role to play in enthroning peace in society.
There is no denying the fact that they are a leading voice in moulding the opinions and attitudes of their adherents.
As the world celebrates Christmas, it behoves on all and sundry to work together and change the current narrative in the country for the better just as Mahatma Gandhi, a former Prime Minister of India, says, “be the change that you wish to see in the world”.
Merry Christmas!
Olaitan Oye-Adeitan
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