Abuja: Pastor Alex Ogundipe of Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Daki-Biyu District, Kubwa, Abuja, has outlined ten reasons why Christmas is celebrated by Christian faithful. Ogundipe, the senior pastor of the church, shared these insights during a service to mark the Christmas celebration in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ogundipe emphasized that while Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ, it also signifies the fulfillment of God’s promise to mankind. He highlighted that Christmas celebrates the prophecy’s fulfillment as stated in Isaiah 7:14, where a virgin would conceive and bear a son named Emmanuel. Additionally, the pastor explained that Christmas restores the hope lost in the Garden of Eden, as described in Genesis 3:15, where Adam and Eve were banished, marking the beginning of mankind’s curses.
Ogundipe further elaborated that the arrival of Jesus represents hope’s restoration, reconnecting humanity to God, as mentioned in Ephesians 2:12. He stated that Christmas is a celebration of impending victory, blessings released through Jesus, and the end of waiting in darkness, as Jesus declared himself the light of the world in John 8:12.
Furthermore, the pastor noted that Christmas is a celebration of God’s restored love, evident in John 3:16, and a time for celebrating goodwill and restored peace, as cited in Luke 2:14. Lastly, Ogundipe declared that Christmas signifies the arrival of God’s solution.
The cleric also provided guidance on how the birth of Jesus can be meaningful, urging individuals to repent genuinely, accept, know, receive, and believe in Jesus. He concluded by encouraging everyone not to treat Christmas as business as usual, but to surrender to God’s word.