From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
The Prelate and Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Ekpenyong Nyong Akpanika has felicitated with Christians across the world as they celebrate this year’s Yuletide.
He said one cannot miss the palpating joy that has enveloped the entire world, adding that the season of Christmas has become a time when people of different tribes, social backgrounds, colours and even religions come together to celebrate their humanity and express their hope for a better world.
In a message titled “from the night of despair to the day of God’s Glory” and signed by Rev (Dr) Nnoke Ibe, the director of Information and Public Affairs, the Presbyterian Church, Nigeria, Dr. Akpanika brought hope and light to the world.
Quoting Prophet Isaiah, the Presbyterian Prelate described the state of humanity before the coming of Jesus Christ as ‘people living in darkness’ (Isaiah 9:2), adding that the world without Jesus Christ was a fearful chaotic darkness.
“But we are eternally grateful to God for dispersing this night of darkness with the light of eternal day. I find it quite significant that God chose that the message of Jesus’ birth will be announce to the world in the dead of night.
“Therefore people of God, in the spirit of Christmas, I want to emphasize that the night of darkness in the world today will not last forever. There is still hope for humanity and there is still hope for Nigeria.
“Christmas symbolizes this hope. Jesus came into the world to save humanity from sin and its consequences which is separation from God and the foreboding prospect of eternal condemnation in Hell.”
He stated that “as we celebrate Christmas today, we are forced to acknowledge with regret that many cannot share the same joy and hope because they find themselves in areas of conflicts.
“The war between Ukraine and Russia is still raging while Israel and Hamas are yet to find a common ground for permanent détente between them. Many are still suffering from hunger and deprivation while refugees and other displaced people are living under desperate conditions all over the world.
“Here in Nigeria, negative economic factors are driving families into poverty while lives continue to remain unsafe as a result of insecurity. The uncertainties pervading the world today can be symbolically described as a form of darkness.”
He urged all to embrace the spirit of Christmas and celebrate with joy and the hope that God will dispel the darkness of their night with the glory of His Son.