By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
Christians and clerics have shared their perspectives on the meaning of Christmas, describing it as a season of gratitude, sacrificial living and renewed commitment to humanity, while urging governments to strengthen security for a peaceful celebration.
The respondents spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria in Ibadan on Tuesday, highlighting both the spiritual significance of the season and the socio-economic realities confronting the country.
The Archbishop of the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province and Bishop of Ibadan North Diocese, Anglican Communion, The Most Rev. Williams Aladekugbe, said Christmas is fundamentally about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and God’s immeasurable love for mankind.
He noted that the season underscores sacrificial living for the common good, stressing that the Christian faith must be practised daily through gratitude, moderation and service to humanity.
Aladekugbe urged Christians to prioritise God during the celebration, live moderately and remember the poor through financial and material support, particularly in the face of prevailing economic hardship.
The Anglican bishop also charged the government to prioritise citizens’ welfare, especially security, calling for decisive action against banditry, killings and other social vices.
He advocated the deployment of security personnel to their states of origin to curb compromise, the removal of corrupt elements within the security architecture, and leadership anchored on fairness, righteousness and the fear of God.
Aladekugbe further called on citizens to embrace patriotism and collective responsibility, stressing that national challenges could only be resolved through unity and commitment to the common good.
Similarly, the Bishop of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Lagos West, Rt. Rev. Oluyinka Akande, described Christmas as a defining moment when eternity intersected with time, marked by humility, peace and self-giving love.
He said the birth of Christ serves as a moral reminder to leaders that authority is a trust meant for service, not domination.
Akande emphasised that security should remain a top priority, noting that the persistent cases of banditry, killings, kidnappings and displacement of citizens require decisive, coordinated and intelligence-driven responses.
He added that beyond military action, the government must tackle poverty, unemployment, injustice, poor governance and lack of education, which continue to fuel insecurity.
The Methodist bishop also advised Christians to celebrate modestly, avoid excesses and remember those unable to celebrate due to loss, displacement or fear.
On her part, the Coordinator of Child Protection Network Nigeria, Oyo State, Dr Rosemary Odigbo, said Christmas goes beyond its spiritual meaning to a call for social responsibility, compassion and justice.
She stated that the season should be marked by putting people first, especially children, widows, the elderly and families grappling with hardship.
Odigbo said Christmas celebrations should transcend food, clothes and festivities to include acts of kindness, child protection, support for the vulnerable and the promotion of peace within communities.
She stressed that the season should inspire society to confront issues such as child neglect, abuse, poverty and inequality, noting that the true values of Christmas must be lived beyond the season.
Also speaking, a civil servant, Mr David Adeoye, described Christmas as a period for reconnecting with loved ones, sharing blessings and reflecting on the humble birth of Jesus Christ, which teaches humility and usefulness regardless of one’s circumstances.
A nurse at Adeoyo Maternity Hospital, Ibadan, Mrs Odutola Oyetayo, said Christmas should bring joy and salvation rather than encourage extravagant spending.
She added that the season should be devoted to visiting the less privileged, particularly patients and inmates of correctional facilities.
Another civil servant, Mr Olakunle Oladunjoye, said Christmas celebrations traditionally involve decorations, gift exchanges, feasting and church services, adding that the season symbolises hope, reflection and the spirit of giving, which should be practised daily. (NAN)
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