Warri: Nigerians, especially Deltans have been asked to see the Christmas and New Year celebrations as a period of showing love to their neighbours, as the birth of Jesus Christ signified the beginning of new things in the life of man.
This was contained in the Christmas and New Year message by the Executive Director, Directorate of Social Services Development, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, (DESOPADEC), Hon Ochor Chris Ochor.
According to the statement, he called on Christians to remember that the birth of Jesus Christ was in fulfilment of the love of God to humanity, and as such, that same love should be returned to their friends and neighbours.
“We should extend the love God gave to us thousands of years ago to our friends, and neighbours, irrespective of religion or ethnicity.
In the message which was titled “Give back Love that God Gave You to Your Neighbour”, he reminded Nigerians, especially Deltans, that the Christmas celebration is a period to remember the day, God finally showed mankind, “That love, He has for him, by bringing Jesus into this world, which was the beginning of the great journey of man to salvation.”
The statement further stated that for man to experience the effect of Christmas in his life, he must understand the spirituality of the celebration as it goes beyond dining and wining.
“We must be ready to feel this season spiritually, because it is when this is done, that we can understand the meaning of the celebration, it is not just to eat and drink.” He said.
While wishing Nigerians a happy celebration, he admonished them not to see the present harsh economic conditions in the country as a bad omen, but rather it should be a time to re-strategize in their planning and executions of their activities, especially in spending their resources. He called on them to look beyond the surface, but reflect spiritually for them to get the divine message from the celebration on how to move the country forward.
While praying for a successful Christmas celebration, he said when we celebrate it spiritually; the Year 2017 will be a success because of the gift of love which will come from the celebration.
“The celebration of the birth of Christ this year, 2016, will usher in new idea, better lives, new economic and better policies, security, long live and prosperity in the coming year 2017, when we celebrate it with love.” He concluded.
