The Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Ernest Obodo has charged Christians to celebrate the Christmas with spirituality and alms.
Obodo made the charge on Sunday night during the Silver Jubilee Carol of Nine Lessons and Christmas Festival organised by Christ the King Parish, Enugu.
He said that such alms-giving symbolised God’s gift of His son, Jesus Christ, to the world.
According to the clergy in a homily titled, ‘Word was Made Flesh’, Christmas is a worldwide language which brought change to humanity through the birth of the Messiah.
“We celebrate the incarnation because God spoke the word and it became flesh,” he said.
Obodo, therefore, advised Christians to be mindful of their spoken words, adding that words were potent.
“Words once spoken remain in space for thousands of years. So, if you speak words of blessings or curse, they can change destiny.
“As we celebrate Christmas, we celebrate spiritual reality: the incarnation of God’s word among us,” he said.
The church in the spirit of the Yuletide, offered cash and material gifts to Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State.
According to the clergy, Christmas gifts were for both the poor and the rich.
“God gave us a gift and that is why both the rich and the poor should give gifts to one another such as the gift the church gave to the governor,” Obodo said.
Meanwhile, Amb. Bianca Ojukwu, while presenting a humanitarian and cash awards to the governor, said that the gesture was in appreciation of Ugwuanyi’s philanthropy.
Ojukwu, who was the chairman of the event, said that 2021 had been a challenging year.
“However, God in His mercies has made it possible for us to welcome another Christmas. So, we need to savour the spirit of the Yuletide.
“We look back and praise God for having kept faith with His promises in our lives in spite of prevailing difficulties. Were it not for His grace, we would not have come this far,” she said.
Ojukwu thanked the governor for identifying with the event.
“There are lined up thrilling and exciting performances that will electrify your evening and make this a memorable celebration,” Ojukwu said.
Responding, Ugwuanyi thanked the church for the honour and gifts, adding that such recognition would spur him to greater performance.
Among dignitaries that attended the event were the acting Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice Raymond Ozoemena and Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Chief Edward Ubosi.
Others are the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Simon Ortunanya, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr Greg Nnaji and former Minister for Aviation, Mrs. Fidelia Njeze.
Popular gospel music singers such as Osinachi Nwachukwu and Chinyere Udoma as well as Christ the King Parish Choir thrilled the audience with captivating performances.
