The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Monday rejoiced
with all Christians in the country as they celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ
amidst economic recession.
CAN's message was contained in a statement by its President, Rev. Dr.
Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, as it also identified with the victims of the
Boko Haram terrorists in the North East and victims of on-going killings in the
Southern Kaduna.
He said, “I congratulate all Christians during this Christmas season
when we are commemorating the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. We
thank God for the joy and hope that the season has brought to all of us”.
While advising Nigerians to embrace courage to confront the economic
recession and the attendant problems, he asked them to learn from Joseph, the
husband of Mary who was initially disappointed with the unprecedented pregnancy
of his fiancée, Mary.
“I admonish all Christians and of course all Nigerians to pick up
courage and move on with their lives in spite of the challenges facing us as a
nation. Though, Joseph was disappointed when he saw Mary pregnant thinking
it was an outcome of her unfaithful sexual intercourse, he decided not to allow
that to determine his future. He made up his mind to put her away privately and
move on with his life. That was courage", he stated.
Ayokunle, who is also the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention,
expressed optimism that God would turn the unpleasant situation in the New Year
(2017).
He said, “Although things turned out this year in the way we never
expected, the Lord who intervened through a dream in the case of Joseph and
restored their relationship with a baby as icing on the cake will restore
prosperity to our land and make the coming year a year of abundance in the name
of Jesus”
In a related development, CAN, in a statement by
its Director, Legal and Public Affairs, Kwamkur Samuel, sent message
of condolences and sympathy to the Internally Displaced Persons and families of
victims of the on-going killings in the Southern Kaduna.
The statement reads: "The leadership team is grateful to the
Almighty God that despite the excruciating challenges of the economic
recession and the act of terrorism by various terrorists groups and militia in
the Middle belt particularly the Southern Kaduna and other parts of Nigeria,
the faithful went ahead with the celebration of the Christmas, they are able to
keep hope alive
"CAN sympathises with the victims of various attacks spread in the
IDPs camps across the nation and our members in Southern Kaduna where some
murderous groups have been killing despite the heavy presence of the security
operatives."
Samuel charged those in positions of authority to rise above religious,
ethnic and political sentiments in the New Year in order to restore peace and
unity to the strife-torn regions of the country.
He said, “As we prepare for the task ahead in the New Year, it's the
prayer of the Nigerian Church that the Government at all levels be ready to put
aside ethno-religious sentiment and put Nigeria and Nigerians first.
The government should make effort to balance the fight against corruption
and also take seriously youth restiveness, high rate of unemployment and
the security challenges which retard the growth of the nation.
“As we march into the New Year, it's our prayer and hope that every
Nigerian will see the need to put in their best for the growth and development
of our dear country. CAN wishes all Nigerians successful celebrations and the
best of the coming year.”
No comments:
Post a Comment