Christians Commemorate Christmas Across the Globe

Ukamaka Okafor, Abuja.

Last updated Dec 25, 2023

As Christians across the globe celebrate Christmas, Pope Francis has identified with those suffering from war, recalling specifically the war in Ukraine and Israel’s bombardment and siege of the Gaza Strip in response to Hamas’ attack.

The Catholic pontiff and sovereign of the Vatican City State empathized with the war victims while delivering his 2023 Christmas message at St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican City.

“We are close to our brothers and sisters suffering from war. We think of Palestine, Israel, Ukraine.

We also think of those who suffer from misery, hunger, and slavery.

May the God, who took a human heart for himself, infuse humanity into the hearts of men,” he said.

He also urged Christians not to confuse celebration with consumerism, saying one can and, as a Christian, must celebrate in simplicity without waste and by sharing with those who lack necessities or companionship.

Nigeria

The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, His Grace, the Most Reverend Ignatius Kaigama, in his 2023 Christmas message, expressed hope for the country and the citizenry.

He further acknowledged God’s blessing on humanity through his gift of life amidst the numerous challenges and urged people to open their hearts and receive Jesus:

“Well, we are happy that God is blessing us. Despite all the numerous challenges, we’re still alive. And in addition to that, he is sending us hope through Jesus Christ. So, we are happy to welcome Jesus.”

Archbishop Kaigama stressed the need for the country’s affairs to be directed by God.

Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, His Grace, the Most Reverend Ignatius Kaigama.

“All we say is we should open our hearts and receive Jesus.

When His spirit is influencing and directing us, we can never go wrong.

It is the absence of the Spirit of Jesus in human beings that creates this inhumanity we have witnessed: violence, banditry, and kidnapping. A human being is taken away to suffer, and he may even be killed.

So, we pray the Spirit of Jesus will take possession of not only Christians but even those who do evil. We pray that they will feel the impact of Jesus’ coming into the world and avoid doing these terrible things to humanity,” he remarked.

Archbishop Kaigama further emphasized the need for love, goodness, kindness, generosity, and compassion during this period of Christmas and beyond.

Christians Christmas 2023