CHRISTMAS is here again with lots of pomp and razzmatazz, as Christians all over the world are already basking in the euphoria of the remembrance of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. And we congratulate Christian faithful and Nigerians for the opportunity to witness another Yuletide period.December 25, Christmas Day, is celebrated to remember the birth of Jesus Christ as Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Christmas is celebrated as one of the biggest festivals which is observed all over the world. It is celebrated from Christmas eve and continues till December 26, which is Boxing Day.
THERE is no gainsaying the popularity of the celebration as it is noted for spiritual, social and economy activities. It is both a sacred religious holiday and a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon To some, it is a season to celebrate the gift of God to mankind while to others, It is a festive period when family and friends come together and have some fun. It is also a period when a lot of people boost their economy, especially traders and drivers. It is also noted for gift-sharing, family and other social gatherings, including symbolic decorations, while various Christmas songs rent the air.
THE birth of Jesus Christ marks the utmost importance for Christmas as they believed that God had sent his son on earth as a sacrifice to redeem the people of the world from their sins.As we celebrate Christmas, we charge Nigeriansto put to use the salient lessons the occasion stands for, as there are so many things to learn from it. People should go beyond attending Carols and church services decked in expensive attires to imbibing the teachings of the season.
THE gift of Jesus Christ to the world signifies unconditional love. Hence, people should emulate the spirit by expressing love to one another, not only by words, but by actions, through giving of gifts especially to the less privileged. Irrespective of the current economic situation, we should display and promote love and sharing, since Boxing Day connotes sharing.
CHRISTMAS is associated with Christians. Nevertheless, we urge everyone, including those who practise other religions to see it as a period meant for all, because Jesus Christ came for all. We, therefore, use this medium to appeal to all Christians and other religions to exhibit the spirit of love and tolerance, and ensure peaceful, effective and harmonious co-existence which will catapult the nation to the much-desired development.
THE major problem of this country is leadership/followership. The Hope, therefore, urges our leaders to show exemplary leadership qualities and exhibit the leader- servant character. They should shun profligacy and self-serving traits, but instead embrace selflessness and be committed to serving the people. They should stop embezzling private /public funds to amass wealth. In the same vein, the followers should steer clear of any attitudes or actions that could mislead the leaders and thereby jeopardise the lives and welfare of the citizenry.
WE advise people to shun extravagance which is against the spirit of Christmas and what it stands for. They should be modest in celebrating. They should eat and drink with caution. People should be prudent in their spendings, as the New Year is close by, accompanied with a lot of financial obligations, like payment of children school fees, house rents, etc.
THOUGH indices around could make people lose hope, Nigerians should rekindle hope and faith that things can still change for the better in the country. In spite of the mass exodus of people out of the country emanating from economy downturn coupled with insecurity, we should still have hope in our great nation, Nigeria
.ALSO, in the spirit of Christmas, all and sundry we encourage Nigerians to frown at crime and criminality in the society, as it serves as a cog in the wheel of the progress of any nation. We admonish criminals, including unscrupulous and undesirable elements in the society to have a rethink and turn a new leaf.
THE safety of lives is of utmost importance this season. Therefore, people should be security conscious watchful, cautious and vigilant as to happenings in their environments, so as not to be caught unawares. Let us be our brothers’ keepers as well.
