By Akinnodi Francis, Ondo

A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Agboh, has called on Christians and Nigerians to shun hypocrisy, deceit, and selfishness, urging them to embrace the virtues of love, solidarity, and reconciliation in the spirit of Christmas.

Rev. Fr. Agboh, the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Ondo, shared this message in his Christmas statement released on Tuesday.

Highlighting the essence of the festive season, he encouraged Christian faithful to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, emphasising the importance of restoration, generosity, and unity.

“At Christmas, Jesus invites us all to become truly human by being answerable to God for our brothers and sisters who are in need,” he said.

He further noted that the humility of baby Jesus serves as a reminder to shift focus from self-gratification to collective joy.

“The outstretched hands of baby Jesus invites us to embrace His humility, His authentic Christmas today calls us to focus less on pleasure for ourselves and work more for the pleasure of all.

“That is when Christmas joy will really stay with us and transform our entire world.

“Let’s believe that it’s possible for all to be happy and work it out,” Agboh added.

He maintained that proclaiming Jesus as the way, truth, and life in truth would ultimately triumph over evil, even if resistance persists temporarily.

“Only by emulating Jesus’ compassion and love can we heal our ailing humanity,” he said, stressing the need for hope and Christ-centred living as outlined by Pope Francis in the Jubilee of Hope.

However, he lamented that Christmas no longer brings joy to many due to conflicts, crimes, and exploitative leadership.

“Christmas, to many today, doesn’t bring joy because many are caught up in conflicts and crimes, ravaging many parts of the world.

“Hope now has little meaning for many; no joy in places where leaders chosen to bring comfort now turn into wicked exploiters,” he observed.

Agboh further decried the increasing materialism associated with modern Christmas celebrations, cautioning that costly gifts and elaborate feasts would remain hollow without Jesus at the centre.

“The advent of Jesus through the family should not be betrayed by discord in families, communities, and the country at large,” he warned.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to refocus on the spiritual significance of Christmas, fostering harmony and compassion in their relationships.