The Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion), The Most Rev. Dr Henry Ndukuba, has urged Christians to be moderate in the celebration of Christmas and New Year festivals.
He said Christians should not engage in extravagant lifestyles that could lead them to debt, but rather emulate Jesus Christ, being celebrated, who was very content, moderate and disciplined. Cautioning against borrowing to celebrate, the Primate counsels prudence and planning, putting the responsibilities that follow, into consideration. “I want to encourage Nigerians to live within their means. We don’t need to plunder to celebrate God’s life and mercy on us. We have to bear in mind that responsibilities are waiting for us in 2022 – fees, house rent and other bills and necessities,” he said.
Archbishop Ndukuba, who was speaking to journalists at Abuja about Christmas, said Christmas is about godliness, and as such, people should strive to be righteous, rather than cutting corners, stealing and killing. “Godliness with contentment is a virtue. The Kingdom of God is not of eating and drinking, neither is the celebration for that. We are to be in a sober and self-reflection as we prepare ourselves to receive Christ and usher in the New Year,” Dr. Ndukuba elaborated.
The Anglican head highlighted that Christmas is a celebration of God’s love, peace and Gift, and, so, should be celebrated with love, peace, forgiveness and reconciliation with one another. He encouraged people to share what they have and show love to those who have little He said: “In times like this, we should love one another, forgive and reconcile with one another.
As much as possible let us pursue peace because as a nation, as a people, we cannot make any advancement or progress without the help of God and the peace of God.
We should in a time like this remember the less privileged people. Those of us who are employers of labour should be merciful to those under our employment. And those who have power over our resources should also manage those resources with the understanding that our God is a God who loves to give.”