The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has called on Christian faithful to remain steadfast in the Lord, assuring that God will meet his people in their darkest moments.
His Grace gave the consolation on Friday in his Christmas Message, where he advised against despair and despondency.
TheFact Nigeria notes that while recognising the challenging situation in the country, the chief shepherd enjoined believers to continue to trust in the Lord.
He said: “It declares the truth that even in the darkest hour, the Holy One of Israel is infinitely compassionate, caring and trustworthy. With His help we can make a new beginning as individuals, as family and as a nation.”
According to him: “The EndSARS protests characterised by violence against fellow countrymen whether civilians or security agents and the equally violent agitations for self-determination, which have come with the loss of lives and limbs, have left horrific scars in our collective psyche. All these make this year one that many Nigerians may not forget in a hurry.
“Do not be afraid,” noting that the end of a year in which anxiety, suffering and death have dominated the national space, the word of Prophet Isaiah should comfort them: “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; for those who lived in a land of deep shadow a light has shone” (Is. 9:2).
Meanwhile, Kaigama, has charged Christians all over the country, to show compassion, kindness, patience, joy and generosity to the needy, to realize the essence of Christmas.
“The narrative of unbridled corruption, criminality such as deadly kidnapping, banditry and ritual killings are a grim reminder that selfishness has taken root in the hearts of many of our countrymen.
“Christmas beckons on us to, like the Magi return to our lives by a new route that avoids Herod, that selfish murderer who place his instincts for self-preservation above the lives of the innocent and the defenseless (Mt. 2:7-18),” His Grace said.
He challenged leaders across board to act like Joseph, the foster father of Jesus Christ, , “to faithfully work hard to realise those dreams so as to find solutions to our teething problems and better the lives of some of the poorest people on earth.
“The story of Christmas convinces us that if we sincerely hope for, pray and work for a better country, the Lord will make it happen for us too.”
