My dear people of God,

1. You are Messengers of Salvation

The Venerable Fathers of the Second Vatican Council tells us in unmistakable terms that, the joy and hope, the grief and anguish of the men of our time, especially of those who are poor or afflicted in any way, are the joy and hope, the grief and anguish of the followers of Christ as well. Nothing that is genuinely human fails to find an echo in their heart. For theirs is a community composed of men, who united in Christ and guided by the Holy Spirit, press onwards towards the Kingdom of the Father and are  bearers of a message of salvation intended for all men.

2. Sharing the Message of Salvation

The celebration of Christmas is an opportune moment to share the message of salvation. Christmas celebrates the birth of Christ who came that they may have life and have it in abundance. It is therefore a call to the children of God to celebrate life in abundance brought to us by Christ. Life in abundance includes physical life, social life, and above all, spiritual life.

This is a time when we can share with each other that life in abundance by injecting more joy, more comfort, greater happiness and better health into people’s lives especially those who are in one way or the other disadvantaged.

3. The Celebration called Christmas

The celebration of the nativity of our Lord goes beyond social and philanthropic gestures. We are all called to renew our lives in the spirit of the salvific message brought to us by Christ. Christ is the Prince of peace who came to reconcile us with God and with one another. Please avail yourselves of the opportunity of this holy Season to draw closer to God through the sacraments.

Since Christmas is a time of peace and reconciliation, I call on all families, communities, town unions, trade unions, societies and individuals who have unresolved conflicts to reconcile with each other. Always remember the biblical saying “Blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called the Children of God.” May peace reign in your families as you strive to give peace to others.

4. Anambra State on the news

Now and again, news coming out from our beloved state Anambra leaves much to be desired. I hereby call on all and sundry to help give the state the dignity and integrity it deserves. Do not be in the news for negative reasons. Do not lose the sense of shame as that would lead to loss of the moral compass. Do not aid lawlessness, disorder or the culture of impunity. Be the first to seek what you can do to make the state better. Remember to be registered for the next voting. Your positive role can make a difference.

Given that cleanliness is next to Godliness, always keep your homes, your institutions and your environment clean. Good health does not thrive in a filthy environment.

5. Welcome home

I seize this opportunity to pray for journey mercies for all those who will travel from far and near to visit home this season. I invoke on all of you God’s guidance, peace and safety as you join your relatives for the great celebration.

With warm affection, we welcome our brothers and sisters who are visiting home from overseas. May god’s favour be upon you. To the Archdiocesan sons and daughters all over the world, we wish you the blessings of Christmas.

6. Peace to all men of goodwill

With brotherly affection, we invoke the blessings of the holy Season on all Christians irrespective of denominations or affiliations.

With the same intensity of affection, we send messages of peace and God’s blessings to our Muslim brothers this season.

7. Prayers and blessings

May God our Almighty Father, the most Loving, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful, bless you abundantly this Christmas and the coming year.

Most Rev. Dr Valerian M. Okeke
Archbishop of Onitsha.