The Bishop of Nike Diocese (Anglican Communion) in Enugu, Rt. Rev. Christian Onyia, says Christmas is a season meant for giving, and not receiving as exemplified by God Almighty.
In a Christmas message issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Enugu, Onyia said that Christmas “is about the gift of self, presence and presents”.
According to him, “God the Father profoundly brings us His presence through the birth of Jesus.”
He enjoined Christians in the spirit of Christmas not only to spare a thought for those least fortunate, those most in need, “but to share with them in some tangible and meaningful way the warmth of the Christmas season”.
Onyia said that everybody should be shown generosity, benevolence of heart, mercy, care and love which are in conformity with Christ’s message.
“Invite the hungry to break bread with you. Visit the sick, whether at home or in the hospital – bring them a little comfort, hope, but most of all, console them.
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“Do not forget the elderly; help them remember Christmases in the past, but also help them find joy in the Christmas we celebrate.
“When visiting, remember to comply with all COVID-19 protocols. Health is a resource,” he said.
The Bishop said “Christmas comes to us in the spirit of the priceless love of God to offer us the covenant and with the desire to make everyone part of His body.
“He did not only come to us in our misery, but gives us God’s bread. He is always ready to support, to comfort, to pardon, to prepare us for His peace.
“His presence is wide open from heaven to earth and there is room through, with and in Him,” he said.
The cleric said “as we enter 2022, Christ requires us to live creatively in the context of all the new opportunities that only a real gift of Christ can bring.
“I pray that you will be able to make this a Christmas you will never forget, in deepening your commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ and joyful in the warmth of His presence.
“He is glorified and will be revealed to all as Lord, Saviour and Judge at the end of human history; for He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
“Let the blessing of God be upon you, and let you experience unspeakable joy as you walk in obedience to the divine instructions of God. Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year,” he said.
