Dear beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, religious, political, traditional and social leaders, and the people of Imo State, and Nigeria at large,
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, I bring you joyous greetings from the Christian Association of Nigeria, Imo State. The theme of this year’s Christmas, “Jesus Christ: The Gift of Hope,” is drawn from Isaiah 9:2, *”The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.”*
In a world plagued by darkness, Jesus Christ brings hope. Isaiah prophesied about the coming Messiah who would bring light to a troubled world. Today, Nigeria faces numerous challenges – insecurity, unfair treatment, and moral decadence, including corruption. In this context, Jesus Christ is our Gift of Hope. Jesus Christ as the Gift of Hope brings light in darkness. He brings hope to areas plagued by insecurity, offering peace and comfort. Jesus offers salvation and purpose and gives hope of eternal life, purpose to individuals amidst challenges. He is the hope of peace, righteousness, glory, perfection and eternal life.
Furthermore, Jesus Christ, as the Gift of Hope, promotes justice and fairness. Jesus’ teachings inspire fighting corruption and promote equity and fairness in governance. Jesus Christ, the Gift of Hope, fosters unity and reconciliation. His message unites diverse groups, promoting dialogue and peaceful co-existence. Jesus Christ, as the Gift of Hope, provides comfort in hardship. He offers hope to those struggling economically, socially, or due to conflict. He inspires integrity in leadership, encouraging leaders to serve with integrity and prioritize people’s welfare. Jesus’ love motivates acts of kindness, charity, and support for the less privileged.
Spiritually, Jesus Christ unites us. As Christians, we find hope in His love, grace, and salvation. Let us radiate this hope to a hurting world. Economically, hope in Christ inspires generosity, integrity, and hard work. Let us address economic disparities by promoting fairness, justice, and equitable distribution of resources, and by treating one another with dignity. Socially, Jesus’ message of love calls us to build bridges, foster unity, and treat all with dignity. Politically, as leaders and citizens, we are called to serve with integrity, ensuring justice, equity, peace, and security for all. Let us pray for peace, promote dialogue, and support community initiatives that foster unity.
The impact of Jesus Christ’s birth demonstrates a pragmatic message of love, righteousness, peace, justice, and fairness that transforms societies. His lifestyle teaches us to: love our neighbors as ourselves, seek justice and fairness for all, promote peace and reconciliation, and care for the less privileged. In Nigeria’s context, as we celebrate Christmas, Jesus, as the Gift of Hope, encourages and calls us, leaders (politicians, clergy, and traditional rulers) and the governed, to:
1. Serve with integrity: Let us uphold integrity, accountability, and transparency in governance and daily life. Lead by example, prioritizing people’s welfare.
2. Foster peace, security, and wellbeing of the people: Work towards resolving conflicts, ensuring safety, and fostering collaboration between citizens and security agencies as watchdogs in society. We are expected to resolve conflicts peacefully, devoid of rancor, defamation, character assassination, violence, abusive language, and evil plans.
3. Support the less privileged: Champion programs for the poor, widows, and vulnerable. As we celebrate Christ’s birth, let us support vulnerable groups through free education, healthcare, and job provision.
4. Promote justice and fairness: Let us address inequalities and ensure equitable resource distribution. Promoting equity and fairness includes equitable resource allocation, ensuring development reaches all communities, inclusive governance involving diverse voices in decision-making, and fair treatment for all, because addressing marginalization promotes equality. Let us champion justice, equality, and fairness in all dealings.
Let us demonstrate that Jesus is the Gift of Hope to all people by being law-abiding citizens, obedient to constituted authorities, exercising civil responsibility, and obeying law and order. No one is above the law, and therefore, everyone should obey the established constitution and bylaws governing a constituted group. Also, let us demonstrate acts of kindness, sharing with those in need, forgiveness, and reconciliation by healing broken relationships, engaging in community service by serving others with love, promoting peace, and engaging in fervent prayer and fasting, seeking God’s guidance for Nigeria.
Christmas is a season when we seek God’s guidance and intervention through prayer and fasting for harmonious coexistence. It is a period for effective dialogue and reconciliation, fostering understanding and unity among diverse groups. It is a season for community service: serving others with love, promoting peace and justice.
As we celebrate Christmas, let us embrace Jesus, the Gift of Hope. Let His light shine in us, guiding Nigeria towards peace, justice, and unity.
Merry Christmas! May Jesus fill your life with hope, joy, and love.
Rev. Uzoma Uzoeshi, PhD
Acting Chairman, CAN, Imo State.
Chairman, Christian Council of Nigeria, Imo State.
President, Imo Baptist Conference.
