The Christian Association of Nigeria has asked churches to be security conscious as they celebrate Christmas .
CAN President , Dr Samson Ayokunle, gave the advice in a press statement on Thursday titled, ‘ The Power of His Presence, Our Hope of Tomorrow ’ .
He encouraged Christians not to be weighed down by the adversities experienced in the year 2020.
Ayokunle said , “ Christmas is not a myth, not a tradition , not a dream . It is a glorious reality. It is a time of joy. The fact of the cross illuminates Christmas day and hallows it.
“ Christmas is also a season to advocate peace in the world that is full of wars , strives , terrorism, banditry , kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminalities .
“ It is painful that many people are mourning due to the demise of their loved ones as a result of COVID – 19 pandemic , terrorism, kidnappings and other criminalities . We should remember that Jesus was also born during the darkest time in Israel’ s history . Israel was under the tyrannical rule of the Romans. Yet the Angel announced the birth of Jesus as the glad tidings to the world .
“ So , I urge those who are mourning to rejoice in hope that they too are still alive. I pray for the comfort of the Holy Spirit for all those who lost their loved ones for one reason or the other.
“ May the Lord help our governments to rise up competently and stop the menace of insecurity occasioned by the terrorists , killer herdsmen , bandits and kidnappers in Jesus ’ name.
“ As we rejoice and celebrate , let us be security conscious and observe the COVID -19 protocols in our places of worship or in any public gathering for our general good. ”
