Christmas: Archbishop Chukwuma exhorts Nigerians to reconcile for enduring progress

The Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma, the Anglican Archbishop of Enugu, has called on Nigerians to reconcile for the sake of peace and the nation’s long-term progress.

Chukwuma made the call while delivering his Christmas message in his Bishop’s Court in Enugu on Tuesday.

He stated that the essence of Christmas is reconciliation, and that God Almighty exemplified it by sending Jesus Christ to reconcile the entire world to Himself.

According to him, during this special season, reconciliation should take place at all levels, including individuals, friends, families, neighborhoods, communities, tribal, and the state.

“Reconciliation is now required for us to reunite and build a prosperous and progressive nation.” “As a nation, we need each other to succeed,” he said.

Chukwuma stated that the season calls for us to share with the less fortunate in our midst, adding, “it is time to remember the downtrodden living around us.”

“We have a wide range of people we should put smiles on their faces this season,” he said, “starting with that poor household around you, to the destitute, those in custodial centers, orphans, widows, and others.”

However, the archbishop urged Christians to celebrate responsibly and to avoid immorality, alcoholism, and hard drug use.

He specifically warned the youth to be wary of the friends they were hanging out with this season, warning that the merriment could entice some youths into alcoholism and the use of hard drugs and other substances.

“Our youth should avoid hard drugs, particularly the infamous mkpurumiri, formerly known as crystal methamphetamine.”

“I will also advise youths to identify and report the various locations and individuals selling the dangerous drug in their community,” he said.

The cleric urged all Nigerians to draw closer to God for the sake of the country’s healing and prosperity, noting that God Almighty has the power to transform any situation.

“I wish all Nigerians, regardless of religion, a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year in advance, just as Jesus Christ died for the whole world,” he said.