The Moderator and Prelate of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, PCN, His Eminence Dr. Ekpenyong Akpanika, has stated that irrespective of the hard times experienced by Nigerians, there is hope for them and other citizens of the world.
This was contained in his Christmas message released in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.
According to him, many are still suffering from hunger and deprivation while people are living under desperate conditions all over the world.
In Nigeria, he said there are negative economic factors driving families into poverty while lives continued to remain unsafe as a result of insecurity.
He stated that the uncertainties pervading the world today can be symbolically described as a form of darkness.
However, inspite of this, the Presbyterian prelate said in the spirit of Christmas, “I want to emphasize that the night of darkness in the world today will not last forever.
“There is still hope for humanity and there is still hope for Nigeria. Christmas symbolizes this hope.
“Jesus came into the world to save humanity from sin and its consequences which is separation from God and the foreboding prospect of eternal condemnation in Hell.”
He said that Jesus Christ came to restore hope, bring peace to earth and foster goodwill among men and women.
He, therefore, urged all to embrace the spirit of Christmas and celebrate with joy and the hope that God will dispel the darkness of our night.
He called on all to remember Nigeria in their prayers, assuring that God will intervene in such a way that their pains and disappointments will be lifted.
“In the quietness of our hearts, let us remember those families which cannot celebrate with us because of one difficulty or another; whose spirit of celebration has been curtailed by economic difficulties. Let us remember and pray for them and also for those displaced by the actions of bandits from the comfort of their homes.
“May we remember and pray for those in the areas of conflict who cannot celebrate Christmas because of their painful and desperate conditions,” he said.
Christmas: There’s hope for Nigeria – Presbyterian prelate, Akpanika