The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos West, the Right Reverend Dr James Odedeji, has expressed confidence that Nigeria will regain its lost glory while also urging citizens of the country to keep hope alive
He gave the assurance during his Christmas Day sermon at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral in GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.
Our problem will be history
Bishop Odedeji told the congregation that the hardship of the present will soon become history only if Nigerians remain positive about the future of the country..
He said Nigeria would experience restoration and peace, stressing that nothing is impossible with God. “we have come.to a point in this nation that we cannot afford to lose hope and give us on our nation. The promises of God are yea and amen. Irrespective of what we see today, I have confidence that God will do a new thing in our land” he said
On Christmas celebration, he said “the gift of Christ’s birth includes the assurance of God’s presence with humanity, noting that Jesus is called Immanuel, meaning “God with us”.
He assured Christians that God remains faithful to his promises, urging them not to lose heart but to continue to trust in Him.
According to him, the birth of Jesus Christ represents the fulfilment of God’s promises to humanity, describing it as a message of hope in a troubled world and a pathway to restoring humanity’s relationship with God.
“God’s promises may delay, but they will surely come to pass,” the bishop said.
He added, “The birth of Christ is not just an event recorded in history; it is the fulfilment of God’s word handed down through generations. Today, we are called not only to worship, but also to bear witness to this truth.”
“One of the blessings of Christ’s birth is the gift of His presence,” he said. “In that presence, we find comfort and the promise of peace.”
The Christmas service was attended by the bishop’s wife, Dr Lydia Odedeji, legal officers of the church, as well as members of the clergy and laity. Special prayers were offered for Nigeria, the church, and families facing hardship or bereavement.
Christmas, which marks the birth of Jesus Christ, is a central celebration in the Christian calendar, observed worldwide at the close of the Advent season.