As Christians in Nigeria join their counterparts around the world to mark Christmas, the Christian Association of Nigeria has called on churches to celebrate with wisdom, vigilance, and a strong sense of responsibility.
The appeal was made by the President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in a Christmas Eve statement in which he extended goodwill messages to Christians nationwide and to people of goodwill.
According to the CAN President, Christmas remains a sacred season that reminds humanity of God’s enduring love, the gift of hope, and the victory of light over darkness. He said the season calls believers to reflect Christ’s values even amid national challenges.
“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.
Archbishop Okoh urged churches gathering for worship and celebration to prioritise safety, stressing that the protection of human life must remain paramount during the festive season.
“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 said.
He advised churches in areas with limited security presence to consider alternative arrangements that would better safeguard worshippers, including holding services in safer locations or organising smaller gatherings. The CAN President also appealed to security agencies to increase their presence around places of worship and encouraged continued collaboration between churches and law enforcement to ensure peaceful celebrations.
Beyond worship, Archbishop Okoh called on Nigerians to remember those affected by violence, displacement, and hardship, urging citizens to embrace unity and peaceful coexistence.
“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.
He added that Nigeria’s future depends on collective commitment to mutual respect and national cohesion.
“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.
What you should know
The Christian Association of Nigeria plays a central role in representing Christian interests and promoting interfaith harmony in the country.
Its Christmas message comes against the backdrop of ongoing security challenges and economic pressures across Nigeria. By urging vigilance and collaboration with security agencies, CAN is emphasising the importance of safeguarding lives during religious gatherings.
The call also reflects a broader appeal for unity, compassion, and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, especially during a season traditionally associated with hope, goodwill, and reflection.
