The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) congratulated Nigeria on the birth of Jesus Christ on Friday but expressed concern that it was being observed amid a great deal of uncertainty, anxiety, and suffering.
However, the organization expressed confidence that God would continue to interfere in human events and would not forsake the nation.
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In his Christmas message to Nigerians, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, president of CAN, made these points, which journalists in Abuja were able to obtain. The message was titled, “Christmas: Be hopeful, God has not forsaken Nigeria.”
He said;
Another season of Christmas is here again. It is that time of the year when Christians all over the world celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the living Son of God. As people who believe in Him, we are reminded of the unfailing and never-ending love of God for us. The story of Christmas tells us of God’s loving intervention in the human situation of helplessness and hopelessness.
Jesus is the promised Messiah, who fulfils God’s promise of eternal salvation and deliverance for His people at a time when they were neglected, exploited and oppressed by selfish and corrupt leaders (Isaiah 11:6-10). It is in this context that the significance and importance of the birth of Christ radiate brilliantly for us, as a people and a nation, because we are expecting the coming of a new leadership ordained by God to restore the fortunes of our country and ensure peace, justice and righteousness in the land.
This year, we are celebrating Christmas in Nigeria amidst uncertainty, fear, untold suffering, hardship and pain in the face of a harsh economy, record inflation figures, worsening poverty situation and a weakened security system due to bad governance.
Okoh further noted that;
This precarious situation in our national life can be likened to the sufferings, helplessness and hopelessness of the Israelites as a result of the decisions of their leaders to forsake God and pursue after their bellies which they have made into gods through greed, selfishness and blatant corruption.
As we gear up to elect new sets of leaders at both the federal and state levels in the first quarter of 2023, Christmas is a reminder that God has not forsaken us. Therefore, we should pray to God to open our eyes to be able to discern and vote for those who will govern the nation with godly fear and devotion.
Let those contesting for elective positions realize that the forthcoming election is not a do-or-die affair; rather, it is God who gives power to whoever he pleases. They should eschew violent conduct and toe the path of honour and peace as they campaign for votes.
