Christmas: CAN Urges Churches To Celebrate With Heightened Security Awareness
By Stella Enenche, Abuja
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on churches across the country to celebrate the Christmas season with hope, wisdom and heightened security awareness amid prevailing economic and security challenges.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the call in a Christmas message issued on Wednesday.
He said the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ reminds Christians of God’s abiding love, His gift of hope to humanity and the triumph of light over darkness.
Archbishop Okoh noted that the message of Christmas calls believers to live out the values of love, peace, patience, sacrifice and compassion,
CAN stressed that despite the difficulties confronting the nation, the birth of Christ reassures Christians that God has not abandoned His people.
He urged churches and Christian leaders to exercise vigilance and a deep sense of responsibility as they gather for worship during the festive season, emphasising that the protection of human life must remain paramount.
According to him, churches located in areas prone to security threats should take practical steps to ensure the safety of worshippers, including considering safer locations or holding smaller gatherings where adequate security presence is lacking.
“This counsel is offered in love and care, not in fear, as we are called to be wise stewards of the lives God has entrusted to us,” he said.
The CAN president also appealed to security agencies to enhance their presence around places of worship during the Christmas period and encouraged churches to maintain close collaboration with law enforcement authorities to ensure peaceful and hitch-free celebrations.
Archbishop Okoh further called on Nigerians to remember those who are grieving, displaced or affected by violence and hardship, urging citizens to work together in the spirit of peace, justice and unity.
The Christian body stressed the need for renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and national cohesion, noting that Nigeria remains the shared home of all its people.
He prayed for joy, peace and hope to fill homes, churches and the nation during the season, expressing hope that the New Year would usher in renewed faith, healing and lasting peace for Nigeria.
