Christians must continue to emulate the virtue of Jesus Christ to make the commemoration of His birth impactful.
Reverend Ademola Mabawonku of Agodi Baptist Church Old Ife Road Ibadan, Oyo State in an interview with Radio Nigeria in a message to mark this Year’s Christmas.
Reverend Mabawonku noted that the birth of Jesus Christ has brought love, forgiveness, hope, and redemption, which are important factors the country needs to overcome to overcome current insecurity and crises.
The cleric called on Christians to celebrate Christmas moderately and show love to the less privileged.
Speaking on the recent stampedes that claimed 35 lives in Ibadan Oyo State and other lives in Abuja and Anambra state, the Reverend Mabawonku said it was partly a function of the economic challenges in the country.
Therefore, he called on the government to ensure that Organizers put in place strict security measures during palliative programmes while also creating more social welfare programmes to alleviate the sufferings of the masses.
Osun State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has felicitated with Christians on the celebration of Easter, charging them to use the occasion to value love and sacrifice.
Governor Adeleke, in a statement by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed described Easter as a powerful reminder of the triumph of hope over despair.
He called on the people of the state not to lose hope over the prevailing economic realities as there would be light at the end of the tunnel as the resurrection of Jesus Christ demonstrated.
“Easter is the clearest manifestation that pain is always a temporary experience and if endured will give way for an everlasting joy. Jesus Christ, as the Holy Book of Bible impressed on us, was a typical lesson on the power of hope and resilience,” the governor noted in his message.
“Beyond the celebration that comes with the moment, it is also a reminder of how love can save, and why we must imbibe the culture of selfless service to humanity as exemplified by Jesus Christ. Let’s be concerned about the good of each other, and more, show tolerance, irrespective of our differences.”
Governor Adeleke reiterated his commitment to impact lives and transform the physical outlook of the state, noting that ongoing infrastructural projects are geared towards opening up the state for investments and improving the living conditions of the people.
He said his administration will continue to prioritize decisions and interventions that will have a direct bearing on the people of the state, emphasising his resolve to work with governments across tiers to deliver on the infrastructure and welfare needs of the people.
“Our administration is committed to a revitalized Osun State with increased opportunities and this explains our choice of investment in public infrastructures across sectors. We are not only committed to seeing through the infrastructure plan unveiled a few months ago but also expanding reach in an effort to broaden the prospect of our economy and stimulate investors’ interest.” Governor Adeleke noted.
The governor urged the people of the state to be alive to their responsibilities as citizens, saying his administration will not leave any stone unturned in transforming the state and opening up pathways of enduring opportunities for the people.
As Christians celebrate the victory of life over death, exemplified by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Nigeria will triumph over her challenges.
President Bola Tinubu, who stated this in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, joined the Christian faithful to commemorate Easter, which he described as “a significant moment and a glorious celebration of the triumph of life over death.”
President Tinubu thanked Nigerians for making sacrifices for the past 10 months of his administration, affirming his commitment to steering the nation on a path of “recovery and sustainable growth”.
The statement is titled, ‘At Easter, President Tinubu celebrates with Christians; calls for unity and compassion.’
Mr Ngelale said, “The president warmly greets Christians in Nigeria and around the world on this occasion, emphasising love, sacrifice, and compassion as the patent themes of this solemn season.”
He also noted that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for humanity is an emphatic lesson for leaders.
Therefore, President Tinubu urged Nigerians to yield to selflessness and compassion and be steadfast in the pursuit of a united, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria.
Christmas, the widely celebrated holiday marking the birth of Jesus Christ, is observed on December 25th in many parts of the world.
However, some countries have unique traditions and distinct dates for commemorating this festive occasion. Wonder why the discrepancies, well it is rooted in history.
In some countries, Christmas Day is observed either on January 6th or 7th.
Christmas is observed in certain nations across Central Asia and Eastern Europe thirteen days after the official date of December 25. This is a result of the calendar that they follow. These countries are Belarus, Egypt, Georgia, Ethiopia, Montenegro, Kazakhstan, and Serbia.
While most nations in the world follow the Gregorian calendar, these specific countries use the Julian calendar. The Julian calendar was created during the reign of Julius Caesar in 45 BC and was widely used before the introduction of the Gregorian calendar, proposed by Latin Pope Gregory of Rome in 1582.
The majority of countries around the globe have transitioned to the new calendar, yet some nations continue to adhere to the old Julian calendar for their traditional holidays. The Epiphany, for instance, is celebrated on January 19, rather than January 6.
In several parts of Russia, Christmas is celebrated on January 7, while some families in Moldova mark January 17 as the birth date of Jesus Christ and as Epiphany, the feast day.
Officially, the Christmas celebration in Italy commences on December 8, recognized as the day of the Immaculate Conception, and concludes on January 6.
It is believed that on the 12th day after Jesus was born, three nobles, popularly called ‘The Three Wise Men’, visited Jesus to shower Him with blessings and gifts. The nine days before Christmas, known as The Novena, mark the journey of the Wise Men to baby Jesus. During this period, religious Italians engage in fervent prayers, while children may dress up as the Wise Men or other biblical characters reciting Christmas songs from door to door.
Certain Christian denominations, such as Quakers, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and some members of the Churches of Christ, do not celebrate Christmas and choose not to observe it throughout the year. For these groups, the contention arises from the belief that there is no biblical evidence specifying December 25 as the birthdate of Christ.
According to them, the Bible doesn’t prescribe the celebration of Christmas as a religious holiday. Instead, they point to documented accounts of Jesus’ birth according to the gospel of Luke 2: 10-12 and Matthew 1:18-25.
Christians believe that the most triumphant moment in all of human history was the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the salvation of the world, which is widely known as Easter Day.
Though scholars’ opinions may differ regarding the exact day of Jesus Christ’s birth, it was widely accepted that the church established December 25th as the date in the early fourth century.
December 25 falls on the Roman calendar’s traditional date of the winter solstice. Because of this, the Gregorian calendar, which is used in every country in the globe, is where Christmas is celebrated on December 25.
As we embrace the holiday season, it’s a reminder that the spirit of Christmas unites people globally, regardless of the specific day on which they choose to celebrate.
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.
Nativity Scene
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”.
Christian worshipers in Ibadan were in high spirit celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ as Easter Sunday is marked worldwide.
Our correspondent who monitored the situation at Agbowo, Mokola, Ojoo, Dugbe, Apata and Iwo Road, reports that the worshippers were in various churches to mark the all-important event in the Christian calendar.
At the Methodist Church Nigeria, Eko Tedo Dugbe, Saint James Cathedral Oke Bola, Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Agbara and the Gospel Faith Mission International Agbowo, worshippers rendered songs that reflected the resurrection of Jesus and renewed hope of better future.
In an interview, the pastor in charge, Region Eleven of the Gospel Faith Mission International, Pastor Ademola Akangbe said the resurrection of Jesus Christ brought hope to the Christians and all who are ready to embrace Jesus.
The cleric, who described Jesus’ sacrifice as a mark of commitment to humanity, used the occasion to call on government to remain committed to the masses through the provision of infrastructures.
Speaking in the same vein, the Presbyter, Methodist Church of Nigeria, The Very Reverend Abraham Akinyode, stressed the need for government to put an end to incessant killings and religious intolerance, which he said were inimical to the peaceful coexistence of Nigerians.
Christians should emulate the virtues of love, sacrifice, perseverance and humility as exemplify by Jesus Christ.
The Vice President, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, B Zone, Ayaba Omobola Akigbehin made call in a message issued by the Zonal Secretary, Funmi Adekoya on the commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
While describing Easter as a special season that marks the salvation of mankind through the suffering of Jesus Christ and His crucifixion to redeem humanity, Ayaba Akigbehin urged Christians to continue to live in harmony with believers of other faiths.
She pointed out that peaceful co-existence was among the several lessons Christ taught and exemplified.
While wishing Nigerians and members of NAWOJ in the zone a happy Easter celebration, the Zonal Vice President urged them to use the season to pray for Nigeria and by reaching out to the less privileged.
Easter is a very significant date within Christendom which represents the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the tomb on the third day, after his crucifixion.
It is the fulfilled prophecy of the messiah who was to be persecuted, die for the sins of the world, and rise on the third day.
It symbolizes the opening of heaven with the gift of eternal life to everyone
However, Easter Monday is usually a day and holiday that follows Easter Sunday to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Jesus was said to have appeared to believers on Monday after his resurrection and taught his disciples what was expected of every believer and the need to operate a giving ministry.
Most western nations observe the holiday to visit recreation centers, families, orphanages and the poor around them.
Many Christians worldwide, especially the orthodox denominations celebrate Easter Monday with special church services including picnic and bazaar.
As the world remembers the gift of Jesus Christ to mankind during this period that corona virus ravages most countries of the world, it is high time every one rose to emulate the spirit of giving as taught by the Lord Jesus Christ.
With the economic situation in the country, extending the hand of love to the physically challenged, street children, the elderly and many more would go a long way in alleviating people’s sufferings
The message of Easter Monday is encouraging family bond; this will inspire individuals and the society to develop a culture of love and care for one another.
As most parts of the world are battling with the pandemic and relevant authorities are finding solution to curbing the spread, the season should be celebrated with a virtual gathering with family and friends and well wishers in compliance with covid-19 guidelines.
The time has come for everybody to rise up to serve humanity by showing love and compassion to one another just as god did without looking back, giving out his only begotten son, Jesus Christ to the world.
Jesus Christ died and live for the love of humanity therefore mankind should reciprocate his love by living peacefully with one another irrespective of tribe religion or political class
Similarly, it behoves on all and sundry to understand that there is unity in diversity, Nigerians should put in concerted efforts to live in harmony.
It is pertinent for government to do more on empowerment programmes that could ease the level of poverty in the society.
As the economic situation bites harder politicians should see the season as a period to support people and show them love as reflection of the season.
Showing God’s love to humanity begins with having a tender heart as demonstrated by the Lord Jesus while on earth.
This day, far away on a skull shaped hill called Golgotha, in Jerusalem, stood an old rugged cross.
it was a cross the world so much despised, being an emblem of reproach, suffering and shame.
Yet, it was on that same cross; a great king who did not commit any offense was crucified to atone for the sin of humanity.
Not minding the shame, this king, Jesus Christ, left his glory and endured that cross for the sake of humanity.
Apparently, the event of that day was nothing short of a horrible, unimaginable, inexplicable, humiliating and worst of treatment meted out to Jesus Christ till he breathed his last on that gloomy day which today is being remembered as Good Friday.
It was the most gruesome killing ever recorded in the history of mankind.
The Roman soldiers mocked Jesus, lacerated his flesh with lashes, smote his head with a reed, placed on it crown of thorns and nailed him to the cross.
Darkness enveloped the entire land as blood flowed from his head to the feet with groans of pain, anguish and sorrow mingled with love.
Though, so dark a day it was, yet so good, as the wrath of God against the sins of men, met with mercy at the cross, demonstrating the peak of God’s love for a world that discountenanced him, and willingness to forgive, even the most despicable among men.
By this sacrifice, the ultimate price of forgiveness for humanity was totally paid, the righteousness of God was vindicated and man was reconciled to God.
Light conquered darkness and sin was conquered by love.
Satan and death became vanquished, the power of sin subdued, and a new chapter was opened in man’s relationship with God.
Man regained freedom and the hope of eternal life
Thus, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ unarguably became the boast and glory of the Christian faith.
Good Friday is also considered “good” by Christians because as terrible as that day was, it paved the way for eternal life through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which was three days after his death.
Considering what the crucifixion of Jesus Christ symbolized, it therefore behoves on Christian faithful and the entire human race to have a deep reflection on how the message of the cross can be applied to save the nation from the challenges bedeviling it.
Leaders in all sectors of national life should emulate the heart of love Jesus Christ demonstrated despite the agony of the cross, to see their position as an opportunity to deliver the masses from incessant suffering, occasioned by socio-economic and political upheavals.
Just as Jesus forgave all, individuals, families, friends, aggrieved members of political parties and even world leaders should use the occasion of the Good Friday let go of all offences and forgive one another just as Christ did to mankind.
If God did not spare his only son so that man could be restored, then, every Nigerian should forsake all manners of sin and live as a good ambassador of Christ for positive transformation in the society.
Only then, can the nation witness the much desired peace, joy, stability, harmony and blessings which God intended for humanity.
There always comes a time in the life of a Christian when he sets himself apart for self-examination, soul searching, and sober reflection towards attaining spiritual growth.
One of such times is the Lenten period; a time set aside by the ecumenical church in preparation for Easter, which is the remembrance of the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Lent begins with observance of Ash Wednesday when Christians have ashes like the sign of a cross applied to their foreheads as a mark of humility, submission and brokenness before god.
By so doing, it is believed that the faithful is identifying with Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death to deliver humanity from sin and eternal condemnation.
The Lenten season is therefore characterized by forty days of fasting and prayer, a practice adopted from Jesus Christ when he fasted for forty days and nights in the wilderness, in preparation for his earthly ministry.
Though, not all Christian denominations observe lent, it is mostly recognized by the Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians and Anglicans.
During this season, Christians abstain from food, drinks and all manners of worldly pleasure as a form of spiritual discipline.
They also use the occasion to study the Bible and pray more.
The goal is to strengthen their faith, have a renewed life, and develop a closer relationship with God.
it is equally a period when faithful shares their God-given resources with the needy.
However, more importantly, is the fact that these sacrifices should remind Christians of the greatest sacrifice made by Jesus Christ for the redemption of mankind.
At such a time as this, the Lenten season ought to be seen as a period when Christians take time to pray for the country and its leaders.
No doubt, the situation and challenges all around call for sober reflection and genuine repentance by all, in light of God’s word in 2 Chronicles chapter 7, verse 14 which says, “if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land”.
Therefore, the church, as change agent should not just observe this lent as a mere ritual but one capable of ushering in national rebirth through fervent prayers and attitudinal change by all.
Every Nigerian should appropriately apply the lessons of lent to their daily lives to bring positive changes to the society and nation at large.
If well observed, lent as a solemn period of prayers, fasting, and abstinence is capable of attracting God’s mercy upon Nigeria and drive away all forces of disunity, disintegration, insecurity, socio-political and economic instability.
General Superintendent Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide, Pastor James Onagwa wants Christians to celebrate Christmas in a way that will not defeat its purpose for the significance of the period to have impart in their lives.
Pastor Onagwa who stated this while speaking on this year’s Christmas Celebration noted that many people were ignorantly celebrating Christmas forgetting the purpose of the celebration.
He observed that many people had turned Christmas celebration to the period they would eat, drink, fornicate and commit other forms of sin all in the name of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
He said “When Jesus was born, the wise men came to him, only those who were wise, and they came to celebrate Jesus, but it is a pity today that while some were celebrating Jesus, others were celebrating “Mas”, You see people who are celebrating the birth of Jesus, drinking, smoking clubbing, camping other people’s wives in hotel, who felt they must celebrate the birth of the Saviour with sin, which is very very contrary to the purpose Jesus came for”.
He explained that anybody that would celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ must follow the footsteps of the wise men who came to worship him. “Those who are celebrating Christmas with sin are not regarded as wise, the wise one were those who come together to worship Jesus, when you see people coming together for Bible teaching, Seminar Revival prayer and others, those are the people who are wise who are really seeking Jesus, not people go about drinking beer, organizing carnivals, and other immoral party.”
The CAC General Superintendent therefore appealed to Christians to use the period to know more about Christ and the purpose of his coming to the world, “the best to celebrate Christmas is to come together to acknowledge what he has done, and wanting to know Christ, how to please him more, how to serve him more, and how to follow him more.
Pastor Onagwa also urged church leaders to make sure that Christmas period is used to bring people to Christ and establish their faith.
Christians have been reminded to love their neighbours unconditionally and assist them in times of need. A cleric, Pastor John Goody stated this during a sermon in Ibadan. Pastor goody noted that good deeds were necessary before seeking the face of god on personal matters. Pastor goody opined that a selfless life as exemplified by jesus indicates that one has a good relationship with god. The cleric also called on political office holders to put the interest of the masses as top priority.
When church leaders live like Jesus Christ and encourage their followers to do the same, the church, society, and the nation would be a lot better.
This was the submission of speakers
at the OIKOS International Discipleship Conference organized by Every Home
for Christ at Molete Baptist Church, Molete, Ibadan.
Speaking on methods of discipleship,
Regional Director, Every Home for Christ, Reverend Lanre Dasilva said in
three and half years Jesus transferred everything in himself to his disciples
and their lives completely changed.
They also transformed the world
around them.
The same principle, when imbibed by leaders would produce genuine Christians who would shun corruption, immorality and other vices prevalent in the church today.
Reverend Dasilva said the best way
to become a disciple was to be selfless and be willing to work for God
without material expectations.
On his part, African Continental
Director of Every Home for Christ International, Dr Cleopas Chitapa
explained that the purpose of the conference was to teach the importance of
Discipleship.
He stressed the need for discipline
among church leaders for them to carry out their assignment effectively.
The third speaker, Reverend Albert Aina identified problems bedevilling the church to include pastors that were never born again, baby-Christians-made pastors, laying emphasis on attendance, building, and cash rather than soul-winning, and carnality on the altar.
Earlier in a welcome address, the convener of the program, Dr Peter Akanji noted that OIKOS is a Greek word which means family, home or household and that the essence of the conference was to ensure that every home was reached with the gospel of Christ.
The program had participants from
across the Southwest.
