Sunday, December 25, marked the start of the season of Christmas. As the word implies, it is a time of solemn festivities all over the world commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Though not specified in the Bible, the Christian Holy Writ, the birth of Christ is accepted generally in Christendom to have happened on December 25. However, his miraculous birth was prophesied long ago by angels and the early prophets of God. He was to come as the Messiah of humanity held down by a corrupt world system over which Satan, the Devil, presides. Therefore, Christmas celebrates the birth of this Saviour who lends His name to a faith that originates in Him.
In Nigeria, the federal government has declared today, Monday, and tomorrow as public holiday to mark the solemn occasion. Hundreds of millions of the Christian faithful are marking Christ’s birth with worship services in churches, exchanges of gifts and visits to hospitals and orphanages to comfort the sick and the less privileged.
Traditionally, on this occasion, religious and political leaders give goodwill messages. For example, President Muhammadu Buhari usually informs the nation: “The commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ is an important opportunity for us to show love to one another and encourage unity by spending quality time with our friends, families and the less-privileged. It is also an occasion to draw inspiration from the exemplary lifestyle and teachings of Jesus Christ, who constantly stood for what is right, true and honest…The Holy Book describes Christmas as a festival of peace, joy, healing, hope and fulfillment. It kindles great expectations in the heart, irrespective of the challenges of the moment.”
What are these “challenges of the moment”? Number one, obviously, is insecurity characterized by banditry and kidnapping. This reached its apogee on March 28 2022 when a dozen gunmen attacked a Kaduna-bound passenger train from Abuja and kidnapped over 200 passengers for ransom. As Christmas approached more than a half of those in captivity had been rescued and reunited with their families.
Before the train attack, there was a daring security breach at a supposedly well guarded prison at Kuje in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. How elements of the rag-tag Boko Haram terror group managed to overrun the correctional facility also housing jailed politicians is still a mystery! An answer will go a long way to resolve the insecurity conundrum.
Another challenge is the forthcoming general elections. If we succeed at pulling off a
transparent, fair and credible vote, our democracy will be better for it and the world will respect Nigeria
the more. However, if we fail the consequences will be dire. This is why the Christian faithful must use the occasion of Christmas to “stand in the breech” on behalf of the nation so that God will save and prosper it.
