As Christians the worldover celebrate Christmas, which is the birth of Jesus Christ, they have been urged to live out the true nature of Christ, which is love.
The Anglican Bishop on the Niger, the Right Reverend Dr Owen Nwokolo made the call in a Christmas message, while speaking with journalists in Onitsha.
Nwokolo said although Christmas has been celebrated for many years with many themes, the cardinal teachings of Jesus Christ still stands, which is love for God and love for one’s neighbors.
According to him, Christians must know that Christ is the reason for the season and never lose sight of the reason why Christ took the form of man, which is love.
“We must know that without God, our existence is void. This should create in us, the desire to relate with God on a personal basis.
“There’s no better way to relate with God except through Jesus Christ and that is why Christmas is important.
“The problem of the world is that people do not love their neighbors. Who is your neighbor? That person beside, your country men and women.
“We must show love to your neighbor. Someone you love, you cannot kill or kidnap them.
“As a government functionary, if you love your neighbor, you will not misappropriate funds or engage in corruption that will ultimately impoverish the people.
“As a civil servant, if you love your neighbor, you will be diligent in all you do and deliver all tasks you are giving that will benefit the people.
“So this Christmas, Christians are encouraged to do acts of charity, show mercy, give to the needy.
“As you travel, there are opportunities in various ways, through which you can touch lives, do not turn away from those,” he said.
The prelate maintained that all forms of violence and strife are against the teachings of Christ and must be abstained from.
“Violence is not good neighborliness.
“As Christians, may we spend this season showing love. Ensure that you treat everyone the way you want them to treat you.
“Shun discrimination, nepotism and hate.
“Jesus has taught us that and it is what we celebrate at Christmas and when we do this, there will be joy everywhere.
“When love abounds, the response will be joy,” he posited.
Bishop Nwokolo used the opportunity to pray for God to grant Christians all over the world a joyful celebration with joy and love.
According to him, although the year 2023 came with a lot of challenges-new government taking over, currency challenges, and insecurity, God’s mercies have kept the people of the country together and will continue to protect her people.
