The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, Reverend Musa Dada has called on Christians in the country to live a life of service and sacrifice which the coming of Jesus Christ depicts.
In a Christmas message he sent to Christians in the state yesterday, the CAN chairman said that in celebrating the birth of Jesus, the faithful should emulate the attributes of the saviour of mankind by exhibiting love, tolerance, generosity, obedience and sacrifice, which Jesus stood for.
Dada advised that for the purpose of the coming of the Lord and the celebration of the season to be achieved, everyone must be conscious of these virtues in their relationship with one another, adding that commitment to the celebration of Christmas should be extended to service to God and mankind.
Calling for moderation during the period, the CAN leader advised Christians to remember that they could celebrate Christmas without Christ if they indulge in drunkenness, rioting, gluttony, sexual immorality and other vices that are contrary to the teachings and spirit of the season.
“We should de-emphasise the social aspect and emphasise the spiritual aspects that the celebration comes with,” he said.
He urged government at all levels to ensure adequate security of lives and property during the period. He also called on Nigerians to be more security-conscious and prepare to willingly provide information to the law enforcement agencies about moves that could be inimical to the peace and progress of the states and the country.
“All hands must therefore be on deck to ensure that peace is sustained in the state. We must eschew violence and assist the security agents with useful information about strange movements.
‘’All citizens should live up to their social and civic responsibilities to their states and the country,” the CAN leader advised.
Dada also charged religious leaders, irrespective of their faith, to educate and counsel their followers against violence and inhumanity to their fellow men through violent killings.
Any religious leader who teaches anything to the contrary, he said, does not wish the country well.
Follow this link:
Can urges Christians to lead life of service