The Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West of the Anglican Communion, The Rt. Rev Olusola Odedeji has said the birth of Jesus is the most important event in the history of mankind.
He also itemised the blessings of his birth while also noting that not everybody has been able to access these blessings which he said is free for all.
Odedeji made this known on Wednesday December 25 while delivering a sermon at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral Church, Ikeja Lagos.
Benefits of his birth
He spoke on the topic, the blessings of His birth stating that even philosophers agree that the birth of Jesus is the most important event in the history of mankind.
While backing every submission on the benefits of Jesus’ birth with scriptures, he said one of the most important things that the first coming of Jesus did is to give humanity an assurance of the fulfilment of prophecy.
‘He said. The birth of Jesus is the fulfilment of prophecy. His birth was prophesied about 700 years before he was born. That God brought this prophecy to pass is an indication that no matter how long it takes, God’s promises for his people will always come to fulfilment.
The birth of Jesus also brought with it the blessing of salvation and redemption. Jesus’ birth reminds us that all of us would have been lost. His birth reconciled us back to our maker.’
Bishop Odedeji also noted that humanity has been redeemed from sin because of the birth of Jesus. ‘His birth has brought with it the blessing of his name. The name of Jesus is available for humanity to use against any force of darkness.
‘The name brings salvation. The Bible makes us to know that whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Jesus’ name represents the authority of God.’ The Anglican bishop said.
Hope for humanity
With the birth of Jesus, Odedeji stated, ‘There is hope for humanity. We have hope that when we leave this world, we will reign with him. A believer in Christ does not die. We do not pass away. A believer passes on. We don’t die, we sleep because we are going to still reign with Christ.’ he said…
The Anglican Bishop said further that Nobody can be proud of peace or boast of peace when Jesus who is the prince of peace is not in the person’s life. ‘He himself is our peace. Any other peace outside Jesus is peace of grave yard.’ He said.
Accessing the blessings
On how to access these benefits, Odedeji who.made copious reference to the Bible said the first thing to do is to surrender to Jesus..’You must first come to the Lord.
“You need to surrender to his Lordship then you can access the benefits. The next thing is to consume his word. Let the word be part of you. And then, you must be in subjugation to the holy spirit. Listen to the holy spirit and follow His leading.’
He counselled also those who want to get these benefits must run away from sin. ‘when God is not with us, we are finished. Sin will not allow God to hear us..
Bishop Odedeji also told his listeners that nobody can access the benefits of Jesus birth if the person is not ready to act in Faith.. ‘if you don’t want to demonstrate faith in God, you cant get the best from God he said.