Rev. Raymond urges congregants to embrace God’s love, share with others for love of Christmas
By Goodluck E. Adubazi.
In celebration of Christmas, Rev. Canon Raymond K. Ekweze of St. Matthias Anglican Church, Ushafa, Abuja, delivered a heartfelt sermon urging congregants to embody the true essence of the season by reflecting God’s love and sharing it with those around them.
During the church service, Rev. Ekweze highlighted the importance of caution during the festive season, noting that many are lured into excessive spending or deceitful schemes. “As you celebrate, be mindful. Some of us spend all we have on one day without considering the days ahead or the deeper meaning of this season,” he admonished.
Themed “The Unexpected Gift,” the Christmas message was anchored on John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” Rev. Ekweze emphasized that the birth of Christ marked a pivotal moment in human history, offering salvation and reconciliation with God.
“The birth of Christ transformed the world’s trajectory. It bridged the gap between heaven and earth, making God accessible to us. You no longer need to struggle to connect with your Father; He is near just believe,” he explained.
Rev. Ekweze also challenged the congregation to reflect on their spiritual journey, noting that while Christmas celebrates Christ’s birth, His second coming as a judge calls for readiness. “How prepared are you for His return? Today we rejoice in His birth, but remember, He will return to judge each of us for our deeds,” he reminded them.
He lamented the increasing prevalence of sin and the failing systems of the world, urging the faithful to turn to Christ as their source of hope and direction. “The world has lost its way, but God’s gift of Jesus brings hope and light in these trying times,” he said.
Central to his message was the call to emulate God’s love. “The love we are called to share is not worldly or superficial but the unconditional ‘Agape’ love God’s selfless love for humanity. Let this love be the reason for everything we do,” he stressed.
Rev. Ekweze encouraged the congregation to extend kindness to those in need, whether through material support, words of encouragement, or counsel. “God’s love is not just about receiving but sharing. Look around for those who need your help; it may not always be financial; sometimes, your encouragement can change a life,” he said.
Concluding the service, Rev. Ekweze prayed for the congregation, asking that God’s unexpected gift of love be richly shared among them during the season and beyond.
