Christians have been urged to reflect on the true meaning of the Christmas season and to renew commitment to living a life that reflects the values of Christ
The Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Ondo State Chapter Very Rev. Father Anselm Olorunfemi OLOGUNWA gave the advice in a statement in Akure
The CAN Chairman brings warm greetings to the children of God as the birth of Jesus Christ and the new year are being welcomed
According to Reverend father Ologunwa, the Christmas season reminds us of the love, peace, and joy that Jesus brought into the world.
He stressed that the season was not just about the exchange of gifts, the festive decorations, or the holiday parties, but rather about the birth of Jesus Christ and the hope and salvation that he brings.
The CAN Chairman describes the season as an opportunity to deepen faith and to reflect on the importance of family, community, and relationships.
Fr. Ologunwa reminds Christians that they were called to love and care for one another, just as Jesus Christ loved and cared for them
This he says included living a life guided by love, compassion, and selflessness as reflected on the political, economic, and social problems being faced in the state and the country
According to him, these issues are not just external problems but also internal ones since they are a reflection of the values and attitudes that we hold as individuals and as a society.
Rev father Ologunwa urges political leaders to strive to lead with integrity, honesty, and a genuine concern for the welfare of the people they serve.
He advises that they should resist the temptation to put their personal interests above the common good and work towards building a society with fairness, Justice, and equity.
He encourages Christians to resist the temptation of engaging in corrupt practices or taking advantage of others for personal gain hence must work towards building a society that would be characterized by fairness, justice, and compassion.
According to the CAN Chairman, renewing our commitment to living a life that reflects the values of Christ requires us to look inward and examine our own hearts and actions, be willing to make changes in our lives and to work towards becoming better people who are guided by love, compassion, and selflessness.
“As we prepare to enter into the new year, let us take stock of the challenges that we faced in the past year and make a renewed effort to work towards a better future for ourselves and our nation.”
Describing year 2023 as a difficult year with its challenges affecting lives and livelihoods, Rev. Father Ologunwa recognised resilience and strength shown as a people and optimism about the future.
He hints that the recent change of government that brought in president Bola Ahmed Tinubu has brought about a lot of expectations and hope for a better future for our nation noting that the change of government alone would not solve all problems except all worked together towards building a better future by actively participating in the political process and holding leaders accountable for their actions.
He decries high cost of living making life difficult for many Nigerians and urged government to improve the economic situation,
Rev. Father Ologunwa however charges individual to remain prudent and seek opportunities to improve on financial literacy and skills.
He also describes the indecent dressing of our young people as a reflection of the erosion of moral values in our society and called towards promoting values such as modesty, self-respect, and respect for others and take steps to discourage behaviours that undermine those values.
He also ascribes the backsliding in the cost of discipleship as a cause for concern that require living a life that reflects the teachings of Christ and strive to be true disciples guided by love, compassion, and selflessness.
The CAN Chairman used the period of the celebration to remind the people to intensify their prayers for our dear Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the governor of Ondo State that God should bring his healing hands and restoration to his body.
He also asked them to pray for the Acting Governor, Honourable Lucky Ayedatiwa that God grants him the wisdom and love as he carries out his duty of leading Ondo State this time.