The President, Christian Association of Nigeria( CAN) Archbishop Daniel Okoh has said there is a need for a genuine reconciliation amongst Nigerians in order to join forces to address our common challenges as a nation.
Archbishop Okoh stated this on Tuesday night at the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols in Abuja.
He urged Nigerians to rally round political leaders by supporting them in ensuring peace and development in the nation.
According to the CAN President, brethren, General elections that were keenly contested this year have come and gone; and we now have a sitting President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It can only be one President at a time. There is a need for a genuine reconciliation among individuals, families, groups, and communities in order to join forces to address our common challenges as a nation.
“The season of celebration of the birth of the Prince of Peace, who is the word made flesh, affords us, as children of God, a golden opportunity to reflect on the length that the Almighty God went in order to reconcile Himself with depraved and estranged humanity.
“He(Jesus) showed us His love and drew us closer to Himself and also involved us to give leadership to reconciliation among individuals and communities. All believers therefore should be the Champions of reconciliation and not Champions of crisis and division. The works of Reconciliation were completed on the cross of Calvary by Jesus more than 2000 years and He has since given us the Message of Reconciliation.
He said the season of Christmas is a time to let go of all bitterness and hate, adding that Christ forgave us so that we may experience genuine peace with one another and enjoy peace in our communities.
“The Celebration of Christmas should not be with only our friends but must be a time that we go the extra mile to personally forgive and over look offences in order to make reconciliation with our enemies. Truth is that reconciliation is not complete until one reconciles with all. In the spirit of Christmas, therefore, I urge each and everyone of us to take the first bold step, bear the burden of peace, and reach out to our enemies with the message of reconciliation.
“This is not the time to pull others down but a time to build, encourage, and grow. Therefore, let us rally round our leaders and offer our support so that the peace that will ensure growth and development will come.
“Nigeria is blessed with abundance of gifted persons; let everyone look out for opportunities to serve and make one’s humble contribution in order to make Nigeria great again. The approach of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to his political opponents after his election and inauguration is quite commendable.
“Dear Brethren, I urge you to, in the spirit of Christmas, pause and check: Who do you need to rebuild a broken relationship with this Christmas? Be bold to lead in settling your relationship with people this season and you will be glad you did. Peace among individuals, among families, and communities will foster sustainable development.
The Archbishop hoped that before the end of this administration, Nigerians who left the country in search of greener pastures would someday return to the country.
“In this your first Christmas in office, Your Excellency, the Christian Community in Nigeria comes to you with the love of God to pray for your success in your mission to move Nigeria from the present pitiable state to an enviable state of prosperity. You have extended a hand of fellowship to us and we embrace you and your family with the love of Christ and promise to partner with you in nation building for the task is quite daunting. You will not stumble and you will not fall.
“In your time, all Nigerians that emigrated from Nigeria in search of greener pastures shall return with joy and their mouths shall be filled with laughter and their tongue with singing like the people of old Israel who returned from exile.
“Finally, I urge all of us to keep trusting God and believing the assurances of the presence of God with us – Immanuel – for our hope is sure when we trust in Him. He will protect us when we take refuge in Him. As we celebrate, let us remember those who are on the margins of society – the poor, the hungry, the homeless, and those who are wounded emotionally, physically, and spiritually so that they can rejoice as well,” he said.
