The President of Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) Archbishop Daniel Okoh has called on Nigerians to come out amass to exercise their franchise and vote wisely in the fourth coming 2023 general elections.
He made the call during the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols organized by Voice of Nigeria (VON), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and Nigeria Television Authority (NTA,) held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The 2022 Service of Nine Lessons and Carols began with lighting of Christmas tree which is the symbol of internal life and fertility while the light symbolizes the Christian believe of Jesus Christ as the light of the world.
The President CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh while speaking on the topic, “Lay Down Your Fears” which was taken from the theme of this year’s carol of nine lessons, “Fear Not” encouraged Nigerians not to fear despite the insecurity challenge bedeviling the country.
“Fear is the greatest weapon that the devil uses to drive people from the purpose of God for mankind, I encourage Nigerians to avoid rigging before and during the fourth coming 2023 general election as the citizens pray to God to make things better for everyone”, he said.
Archbishop Okoh offered prayers to God after Christmas sermon for peace, unity and progress of Nigeria as well for the conduct of violence free election in 2023 elections.
The Nigeria Vice President, Professor Yemi Osibajo at the carol called on Nigerians to remain focused in God.
The Vice president who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, spoke on the theme saying whatever may be the fear, it is interesting to note that God organizes this fact and has made provision for them.
“The Holy Bible contains 365 passages of the theme, fear not, it means you have been given a capsule of each of these passages as a dose for each day of the year. Secondly, the purpose of Christmas, which celebrates the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, whom the service of nine lessons and Carols is in his honour, is to remind us that we must not fear, let me remind us of the words of the angels, to the shepherds in Luke: 2 verse 10 to 14”, he said.
The SGF said our heart should not be troubled in anyway even as we approach 2023.
“Yes, we are going to have elections, we are going to have a census exercise, all these are issues that comes with a lot of questions, but we have an assurance from our Lord and Savior, that Let our hearts not be troubled, which you believe in Him and believe in God. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year”, he added.
The carol of nine lessons which was taken from the various books of the holy bible also witnessed the presentation of gift items to some prominent Nigerians who have contributed to the success of the event from inception.
The Director General, Voice of Nigeria, (VON) Mr Osita Okechukwu, in his vote of thanks appreciated all dignitaries present for their time irrespective of their busy schedule.
The Service of Nine Lessons and Carols 2022 with the theme: “FEAR NOT” was taken from the book of Isaiah chapter 41:10.
Nine Lessons and Carols, also known as the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols and Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, is a service of Christian worshippers traditionally celebrated on or near Christmas Eve.
The story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus Christ is told in nine short Bible readings or lessons from Genesis, the prophetic books and the Gospels, combined with Christmas carol songs, hymns and choir anthems.
