The Christian Association of Nigerian (CAN) has pleaded with Christians to shun violence and all forms of hedonism.
This is even as the association begged Nigerians to desist from acts that could contradict the teachings of this season of love, care, joy, peace and support.
The Borno State CAN Chairman, Rev. John Bakeni, who made the appeal on Monday in Maiduguri, encouraged the citizens to embrace peace, reconciliation and love.
Bakeni lamented that this year’s Christmas is celebrated amidst difficult and harsh economic realities, insecurity and palpable fear of the unknown.
To this end, he urged Christians not to lose the essence and true meaning of the Solemn feast as the blessings and grace of Christmas far outweigh and supersede the temporal and ephemeral realities.
“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," he said.
While wishing Nigerians a joyful celebration, Bakeni anticipated a new beginning for the New Year.
He added: “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."
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