Dec 25 2008; Archbisop Ademowo's Christmas Message

CHRISTMAS 2008 MESSAGE FROM THE ARCHBISHOP OF ECCLESIASTICAL PROVINCE OF LAGOS AND BISHOP OF LAGOS DIOCESE (ANGLICAN COMMUNION) THE MOST REV. DR. E. ADEBOLA ADEMOWO, OON

Dearly beloved in Christ, Christmas is here once again. It is a season when we celebrate the central mystery of our faith, the mystery of the incarnation, by which God sent His Son Jesus Christ into the world to reconcile men to one another and to Himself (2 Cor. 4:18-19). He came to save all generations of humanity from a life of sin, injustice, wickedness, violence and death to establish on earth a civilization of LOVE in accordance with the will of God, the Father (Rom. 5:6, 8-10). This brought the greeting of a great company of the heavenly host with the angel to the Shepherds, “Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace to men on whom His favour rests” (Lk. 2:14).

Christians today are gradually undermining the essence of Christmas. Some celebrate Christmas without thinking and honouring Christ who is the reason for the season.

We have almost completely forgotten in the cacophony of music, dancing, festivities and entertaining activities that Christmas is meaningless without the harvest of souls into God’s kingdom by gaining eternal life through Christ Jesus (John 3:35-36). We cannot pretend to keep Christmas and loose grip of Jesus. Do we have enough goodwill flowing in our veins to show to our neighbours during Christmas? I doubt if the answer is Yes.

The uniqueness of the birth of Jesus changed the course of history universally to reflect the message of love, truth, justice, human solidarity that freedom which is a fulfilled prophecy that inspires people to know God (Isaiah 9:6-7).

The message of Christmas gave birth to the building of orphanages and destitute homes and the preaching of justice as a constitutive dimension of Christian evangelism. It is all about making the world better with the gospel of Christ Jesus. The concept of Christmas is well-defined in the lives of Christians who daily demonstrate attitude of love towards fellow human beings, regardless of their socio-economic status. There is therefore the urgent need to have a rethink, a Christmas heart and lifestyle towards our minds. We have professing Christians but we need practicing Christians, who will be agents of transformation that will not conform to the world’s system and standards (Rom. 12: 1-2).

The cardinal social indices of peace, justice, security, employment prosperity and sound health have suffered severe setbacks from year to year just because Christ-like qualities is yet to be fully formed in the life of contemporary Christians, who are originally meant to be the light and salt of the society (Matt. 5:13-16).

I sincerely put these values and ideas before us to embrace and for the continuity of the good works of the purpose of Jesus’ birth.

We leaders, should use the message of Christmas to chart a veritable course for truth, justice and righteousness in our land (Prov. 14:34). It entails the pursuit of justice, life of service to God and humanity, self sacrifice for the good and welfare of others, generosity with one’s talents and resources and above all, a life saturated with love, integrity and righteousness (I John 4:9-10).

Christmas 2008 calls for a sober reflection among Christians on moral and attitude towards life generally. What are your plans for this Christmas? Are you thinking of what to steal, dupe, kill or destroy all in the spirit of Christmas? What is that thing you value more than Christ in your life?

All the political manipulators, the ethnic war-lords and other merchants of violence in our society need to think seriously of the cumulative effects of their activities on the Nigerian society and allow peace to reign (Rom 12:18).

Fellow countrymen and women especially the lonely poor who have often been pushed to the margins of despair, we should hold firmly to our faith and very soon, good shall overcome evil, truth shall overcome falsehood and light shall overcome darkness. Jesus our Lord and Saviour will make straight our crooked ways. Amen.

OUR COMMENDATION TO THE FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENT ON RURAL AND URBAN INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT

It is no gain saying that our governments both at the National and State level, to some extent have done well in rural and urban infrastructural developments. For instance in Lagos, the government of Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) is commendable in the repairs, cleaning, beautification and rehabilitation of roads in the state which attract worth while attention. I like to use this opportunity to call on our people on the need to pay their taxes and develop maintenance culture.

Going forward, how well we all becoming law-abiding and exemplary is of essence both at the local and state government levels.

May the Lord of Christmas bring joy, peace and happiness into our hearts, homes and businesses in this season of great hope and expectations. May He bless us abundantly this season unto a New Year.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.

Remain rapturable.

Signed: THE MOST REV. DR. E. ADEBOLA ADEMOWO, OON, FNAL, PhD
Archbishop of Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos and Bishop of Lagos