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2020 Christmas message of Bishop Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo.

CELEBRATE JESUS’ BIRTH
So, Christmas is here again in spite of Covid 19, the harsh economy and nationwide insecurity. Thank God, that Christmas can neither be locked down by any power. Christmas is the fulfilment of God’s promise to send us a Saviour to save us from sin. “For a son has been born to us… ‘Wonder-Counsellor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace to extend his dominion in boundless peace” (Is 9:5-6). That is truly a cause for joy. “If God is for us who can be against us” (Rom 8:31). And so, let us celebrate Christmas and rejoice like many before us did and like many after us will, all according to our means.

CELEBRATE DESPITE ALL
Christmas is not just about us. It is for everybody. At the birth of Jesus even the angels and heavenly hosts rejoiced nd sang Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace for those he favours (Lk. 2:13-14). Corona Virus, Economic Downturn, Insurgency, Violence, Kidnapping, whatever should not stop the reason and rhythm of the Immanuel, “God with us” (Matt. 1: 23). So, should we all hang our heads in sorrow and despair, the angels would still sing and jubilate. “Emmanuel, God with us” is our hope and shield.

CELEBRATE WITH EVERYONE
All the jubilation, singing and dancing, the lights, the colours, the hope, joy, and even the exchange of gifts of this period must focus on Jesus and on those around us especially the less endowed. Let us reach out and share what joy and good things we can according to our capacity. That is the spirit of Jesus and of Christmas. For God so loved the world that he gave his only son that the world may be saved (Jn 3:16). God gave his son, Mary gave her life, Joseph gave his freedom, the angels gave their adoration, the shepherds gave their time. Even the owner of the manger gave what he could. However, none must come empty-handed, everyone can give something, for prisoners the sick, the aged, the lonely. “When someone is given a great deal, a great deal will be demanded of that person” (Lk 12:48). Give to others as much as God has given you. Give of your best, out of love not just of what is left. That is the spirit of Christmas.

CELEBRATE THE GOOD NEWS OF CHRISTMAS
I enjoin everyone including our political, economic, social, religious and traditional leaders to do good and bring good news to all around them. Let the media bring good news to all. Let families and relatives bring good news to one another. This is much needed in our violent, sad, unjust and depressing world. We all will benefit from a happier country. Make the world better through your wealth, your position, your status and your talent. You will experience the mercy of God which Jesus has brought. He said “blessed are the merciful; they shall have mercy shown them” (Lk 5:7).

CELEBRATE HIS LOVE FOR ALL
Finally, Jesus’ love is for all. So, I call on all who live on the fringes of society to change their ways and come to Jesus. He loves everyone and will give you peace. Terrorists, kidnappers, robbers, killers, whatever may be your crime, Jesus loves everyone and you too can do good for your country and for humanity. You too deserve the joy and peace of Christmas. It is not too late for Nigeria to become the place of cosmic harmony which prophet Isaiah described (Is. 11), if only we all sustain the spirit of Christmas.
Happy Christmas to everyone.