The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Borno State Chapter, has urged the Christian faithful to embrace and appreciate the blessings associated with the feast of Christmas, which surpasses temporal and earthly realities.
Most Rev. Dr John Bogna Bakeni, the Chairman of CAN in the state and Auxiliary Archbishop of Maiduguri Catholic Diocese, conveyed this message in a felicitation issued to Christians ahead of the Christmas celebration. The message was obtained by LEADERSHIP on Sunday in Maiduguri.
Bakeni said that this year’s Christmas is observed amidst challenging economic circumstances, insecurity, and prevalent fear of the unknown. Despite these circumstances, he encouraged Christians not to lose sight of the essence and true significance of this solemn feast, noting that the blessings and graces of Christmas far exceed these transient and fleeting realities.
” My dear Brothers and sisters, greetings and of Peace in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate at Christmas. I wish on behalf of the entire executives of CAN Borno State Chapter to rejoice with you as we celebrate God’s unfathomable love towards us.
“This year’s Christmas is celebrated amidst difficult and harsh economic realities, insecurity and a palpable fear of the unknown. But I urge us not to lose the essence and true meaning of this Solemn feast because the blessings and the graces of Christmas far outweigh and supersede these temporal and ephemeral realities. For these too, shall pass away.
“We must not focus on the material and worldly things that life affords, but on the spiritual preparation and disposition that will allow Christ to be reborn in our hearts, our homes, our communities, our state, our nation and indeed the entire world, thereby transforming us into genuine instruments of love and peace.
“We are obliged to communicate and to extend this love and peace to all, during this festive season regardless of our religious, ethnic or social status.
We must desist from anything that will contradict and betray the meaning and essence of this holy season and celebration. Avoid violence and any hedonistic tendency, and eschew peace, reconciliation and love.
“I wish you all a joyful celebration with your families, friends and relatives. May the new year which we all anticipate be a new beginning for all of us, especially for our nation where religious and political leaders will grow in the path of justice, equity, peace and the fear of God in discharging our responsibilities.
“Glory to God in the highest and peace to all people of Goodwill,” the CAN Chairman prayed.
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