Lagos CAN Chairman, Stephen Adegbite, Felicitates With Christians at Christmas …preaches love among Nigerians 

The Lagos State Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop (Dr.) Dr. Stephen Adegbite has felicitated with Christians in Nigeria and encouraged Nigerians to emulate the spirit of love the Christmas season portrayed.

In his goodwill message to the body of Christ, Adegbite reminded Christians that, “Christmas is that season when we commemorate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. A time when we bring to mind the essence of His coming and its relevance to our existence as Humankind. This is the season to give up one’s very self -to think only of others -how to bring the greatest happiness to others -that is the true meaning of Christmas.”

The significance of Christmas is love. John 3:16-17 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” The true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of this incredible act of love”, he stated further.

Adegbite emphasizes that, “The real Christmas story is the story of God’s becoming a human being in the Person of Jesus Christ. Why did God do such a thing? Because He loves us! Why was Christmas necessary? Because we needed a Savior! Why does God love us so much? Because He is love itself (1 John 4:8). Why do we celebrate Christmas each year? Out of gratitude for what God did for us, we remember His birth by giving each other gifts, worshipping Him, and being especially conscious of the poor and less fortunate.”

God loved His own and provided a way, the only Way for us to spend eternity with Him. He gave His only Son to take our punishment for our sins. He paid the price in full, and we are free from condemnation when we accept that free gift of love. “But God demonstrated His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

With this in mind, Christmas can be a season of great joy. It is a time of God showing His great love for us. It can be a time of healing and renewed strength. Sure, enjoy the season but remember to rejoice as well! After all, the true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of God’s ultimate gift: the birth of Jesus, the Christ child.

Bishop Stephen Adegbite prays and states, “May the light of Christmas shine forth anew in the Land where Jesus was born, and inspire Israelis and Palestinians to strive for a just and peaceful coexistence. May the comforting message of the coming of Immanuel ease the pain and bring consolation amid their trials to the beloved Christian communities in Iraq and throughout the Middle East; may it bring them comfort and hope for the future and bring the leaders of nations to show them effective solidarity.”

“May the birth of the Saviour open horizons of lasting peace and authentic progress for the peoples of our dear country, Nigeria; may it promote political and social stability and advance reconciliation in different countries of the world ravaged by war and oppression. May the birth of the Saviour strengthen the spirit of faith, patience and courage of the faithful of the Church in places where they are hard-pressed that they may not lose heart through the limitations imposed on their freedom of religion and conscience but, persevering in fidelity to Christ and his Church, may keep alive the flame of hope. May the love of “God-with-us” grant perseverance to all those Christian communities enduring discrimination and persecution, and inspire political and religious leaders to be committed to full respect for the religious freedom of all.”

Wishing everyone Merry Christmas, he admonished, “Dear brothers and sisters, “the Word became flesh”; he came to dwell among us; He is Immanuel, the God who became close to us. Together let us contemplate this great mystery of love; let our hearts be filled with the light which shines in the stable of Bethlehem!