Yuletide: Have Faith In God – Archbishop Val. Okeke Tells Christians
By Polycarp Ifeanyi, Onitsha
Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke has urged Christians all over the world to have faith and trust God almighty in any circumstances.
Archbishop Okeke in his Christmas message ” Do Not Be Afraid” which according to him is in the Holy Book, the Bible, saying, ” As we celebrate the message of peace, the birth of the Prince of the peace, we recall the Angelic greetings to Mary the Virgin of Nazareth in gospel of St. Luke 1:28-30. The Angel said ” Do not be afraid”
The Archbishop said, in the conversation, today, one is tempted to be afraid, one is inclined to ask questions, to loose faith, to wonder if God is still with us. Yes ! God is still with us. He is always faithful. He will intervene to save his people as usual at His own chosen time. It is not an accident that this phrase ” Do not be afraid is repeated 365 time in the Bible.
He further admonished that prophet Isaiah tells us hundreds of years before the birth of Christ that God is coming not as a judge but as a vindicator, as a saviour, as a redeemer. He was of course referring to the first Christmas. He was referring to this birth of Christ which we are commemorating today and celebrating today. He tells us ” Do not be afraid” confer Isaiah 35:1-6.
” When the King Ahaz thought that God had abandoned his people, he was afraid of the neighbouring Kingdoms like Samaria, Damascus, Assyria and others. The King lost hope in the protection of the God of Isreal but the man of God Isaiah convinced him to put his trust in God ( Isaiah 7:10-14)”
The prelate further said ” Today my brothers and sisters, I call on all men and women of good will to put their trust in God who is always faithful. Do not abandon God for He has not abandoned his people. Be faithful to God through prayers, through good conduct, make sure some people enjoy the Blessings of God through you as we celebrate Christmas today.
Do not be part of any evil plan against anybody or against the government. Kidnapping, banditry, unknown gunmen, amongst other. Do not be part of any of such” The Archbishop warned.
He added, saying ” For the forthcoming election, ensure you have your Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) ready. Vote according to your conscience for the one you are convinced will do better than others. Vote for the one who will do better and change Nigeria to a better country. Reject any persuasion or inducement to do what you know is wrong. God is still faithful, do not be afraid as God will bless us with a better future” He declared !
