As Christians in Nigeria unite with believers worldwide to mark Christmas, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has advised churches to celebrate the season with wisdom, vigilance, and a strong sense of responsibility.
The CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, offered the counsel in a Christmas Eve statement in which he conveyed festive greetings to Christians across the country and to people of goodwill.
He described Christmas as a holy season that reminds humanity of God’s enduring love, His gift of hope, and the victory of light over darkness.
“The message of Christmas calls us to live out the values Christ represents—love, peace, patience, sacrifice, and compassion. Even in the face of economic difficulties and security concerns confronting our nation, the birth of Christ reassures us that God has not abandoned His people and that hope remains alive,” he said.
“As churches gather to worship and rejoice during this festive season, I urge Christian leaders and congregations to do so with wisdom, vigilance and a deep sense of responsibility. The protection of human life is sacred and must remain paramount. Churches, especially those located in areas prone to security threats, are encouraged to take practical steps to ensure the safety of worshippers.”
He further urged churches, particularly in security-challenged areas, to adopt practical measures to safeguard worshippers.
Where security presence is inadequate, the CAN President advised church leaders to prayerfully consider relocating services to safer venues or organising smaller gatherings that would allow for better protection.
He also appealed to security agencies to strengthen their presence around places of worship during the Christmas period and encouraged churches to work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure peaceful and smooth celebrations.
“As we celebrate, let us remember all Nigerians who are grieving, displaced, or affected by violence and hardship. At this season of goodwill, I call on all Nigerians to work together in the spirit of peace, justice, and unity,” he said.
“United by our shared humanity and common destiny, we must renew our commitment to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and national cohesion, mindful that Nigeria is our only home and that its future depends on our collective resolve.
“May the joy, peace, and hope of Christmas fill our homes, our churches, and our land. I pray that the New Year will usher in renewed faith, healing, and lasting peace for Nigeria,” Archbishop Okoh added.