Amid economic hardships in Nigeria, Pastor Kayode Aliyu of Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Daki-Biyu District, Kubwa Branch, has urged Nigerians, especially Christian faithful, to show love to one another during this year's Christmas celebration.
Aliyu made the call on Sunday while delivering a sermon titled: “The Greatest Gift” at this year’s Nine Lessons and Carols Service in Abuja.
The 2024 Carol Service, drawn from the Book of Isaiah 61:7, had the theme: “Double Glory”, offered parishioners a platform to pray for the Church, Nigeria and its leaders.
He highlighted the virtues of Jesus Christ exemplified in His love for humanity, emphasizing that the greatest gift at any time is love.
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“We are looking at the Love of God expressed at Christmas. John 3:16 says that God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son,” said the Clergyman.
Aliyu said God's display of love is not conditional, therefore, everyone should be prepared to emulate the gesture.
“The love of God is not a give and take relationship. He just wants a father and son relationship.
“Jesus Christ gave us two instructions; Love your God with everything you have and love your neighbor as yourself.
“If you don't love your neighbor, it means you don't love God.
“So in this Christmas Carol of the year 2024 we are challenged to love each other,” he said.
In the same vein, Pastor Ibijoke Ogundipe, wife of the senior pastor of the church, also urged women to share love.
“I call on women as the foundation of society to gather everyone around them and share love. This will help us progress as a nation,” he stated.
Apostle Seun Sodipe, Secretary of the Carol Steering Committee, called on Christians to share the blessings that God had given to humanity.
“This should not only be in financial and material terms, but also in kind words and gestures.
“We never know what the next person will be going through. “A kind word and gesture can go a long way in ensuring that person feels loved.”
There were different Christmas songs performed by the Peculiar Choir and the church children's choir.
Newslodge