As Christmas is celebrated all over the world leaders across institutions in Nigeria have been sending messages to their followers. Following are some of the messages as compiled by PTL News, preaching messages of peace, unity, and hope across the land.
CAN President, Daniel Okoh Preaches Peace, Unity and Hope
Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on Nigerians to be united and not to lose hope due to challenges, stating that God has not forsaken the nation.
The CAN president noted that the story of Christmas depicted God’s intervention in hapless situations that afflicted mankind, therefore, as a people, we should not lose hope.
In a Christmas message on Saturday in Lagos, Okoh said the mystery of the birth of Jesus Christ as a Messiah came in handy now that the nation is on the verge of transition to new leadership that would pacify the people from anxieties.
According to him, the 2022 Christmas celebration amidst uncertainty in the face of challenges, can be likened to the sufferings of the Israelites as a result of the disobedience of their leaders to forsake God because of material things.
“God will always save us through our Lord Jesus Christ.
“The message of Christmas is of peace and oneness. It is to express love to our neighbours regardless of their religion, ethnicity, or political leanings.
“Our political leaders especially those jostling to lead the country, should use the season to reflect on the good ways of Jesus Christ to give them directives when they assume office.”
The CAN president appealed to Nigerians not to allow the fear of insecurity in the land to hinder them from coming out en mass during the forthcoming general elections to vote for credible candidates of their choice.
He prayed for God’s protection of all Nigerians.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo sends message of hope to Nigerians
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says the celebration of Christmas brings hope, joy, God’s Grace and relief to Nigerians.
Osinbajo spoke with State House correspondents on Sunday after the Christmas Service at Aso Villa Chapel where he delivered the sermon.
According to him, the celebration is good news because Jesus Christ offers himself for the sins of man.
“My message is the message of Christmas which is the birth of the new covenant; the birth of Grace; God’s Grace and mercy is what we celebrate today because the birth of Jesus Christ is the birth of the Grace of God.
“From the moment Christ was born, God said he was not going to hold us to account for our sins for as long as we believed in what he did; the sacrifice of Jesus Christ; Jesus Christ came to pay in full for all of our sins.
“So, really why we celebrate is because this is good news; before, we had to pay for our sins; the consequence of sin we have to bear.
”This is because we always continue to sin; but Jesus came to substitute all our unrighteousness and replace it with his own righteousness so long as we believe him.
“So, it is a celebration of joy and a great relief; that is why it is called the good news,’’ he said.
On his part, Pastor Seyi Malomo, Chaplain, Aso Villa Chapel, said that Jesus Christ is a bringer of the new covenant; the covenant of Emmanuel; of God with us.
According to him, one who has God lacks nothing.
“What’s most important is when you have God on your side; things are definitely bound to improve.
“And as we go into the New Year, with God on our side, no matter how and whatever may be the negative forecast of people, we know that God who goes ahead of us; will make the crooked place straight.
“He will make the rough edges smooth; he will level the mountains and elevate the valleys and he will give us victory.
“Peace is for us in Jesus’ name,’’ he said.
PFN President Bishop Wale Oke Calls for Prayer for Nigeria
THE Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has called on all Nigerians to continue to keep Nigeria in their prayers, assuring them that whatever the challenges of the moment might be, only the word of God concerning Nigeria will prevail.
In a Christmas message by the National President of the PFN, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, he expressed appreciation to God for his grace and benevolence towards his people and the privilege of another Christmas celebration. “Christmas is not just another celebration; it is a reminder of the goodness of God and fulfilment of his promise of redemption. It speaks to hope, joy and a new beginning, reminding us that no matter how long it takes to manifest, God’s plan will never fail nor falter.”
While commiserating with families and victims of terrorist and violent attacks in different parts of the country, the National President of the PFN prayed for comfort and strength for them at this time. He called on the Government and security agents to work harder to guarantee the security of Nigerians, reminding them that security of lives and property of the people is the primary responsibility of government. He enjoined the government not to relent in its effort until perpetrators of these heinous crimes are apprehended and made to face justice.
Bishop Wale Oke called on all Christians, as they celebrate Christmas, to take time to pray for the peaceful conduct of next year’s elections so that it might usher in political leadership at all levels that is God-fearing, knowledgeable and competent. He called for vigilance and participation of all Nigerians in the electoral process to ensure that there is transparency and fairness.
“Our prayer is that this year’s celebration of the birth of our saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, will usher in a rebirth in every area of our life as a country, so that Nigerians can experience fullness of joy as citizens of Nigeria. We wish all Nigerians a joyful Christmas and a prosperous new year.”
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