SAN FRANCISCO, December 24, (THEWILL) – Cross River State governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, has enjoined Christians to reflect on the significance of Christmas brought about by the birth of Jesus Christ and its redemptive hope for humanity.
In a goodwill message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Ita, Governor Imoke urged Christians to use the opportunity of the Christmas celebration to rededicate themselves to the values of love, peace, sacrifice and tolerance as embodied in the birth of the Saviour, Jesus Christ.
According to Governor Imoke, “Today is unique, unique in the sense that it represents hope and a new beginning. So, as we celebrate this Christmas, let us reflect on the significance of the season to extend our hearts to one another.”
Urging Nigerians to eschew hate and bigotry, which was what Christ spent his brief but valuable life preaching against, Imoke said: “As we share with one another gifts, let the season be a stark reminder to all of us as a people and as a nation that at such challenging times as this, what is required of all of us is love, tolerance and forgiveness to our friends and our neighbours.”
The governor also prayed, saying “May the occasion bring us peace, joy, the warmth of friendship and the steady hand of love.”
Harping on compassion towards the less privileged, Governor Imoke admonished Christians to remember those who cannot afford to celebrate and make conscious effort to reach out to them. “We should take time to ponder on the sufferings of the poor who are not privileged to celebrate. And that is why as Christians, we have an obligation to leave the comfort of our everyday life to help the poor among us, just as Christ did for us. Above all, let us reflect on things we value most- family, friendship and fellowship.”
