By Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
The Bishop of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria UMCN, Bishop Ande Emmanuel has describe Christmas as a renewed call for faithfulness.
He stated this in his Christmas and New Year Message to members.
“It reminds us that God chose to enter the world not through power or privilege, but through humility, vulnerability, and love. In Christ, God draws near to our realities and calls us to draw nearer to one another.
“This year, we have much to celebrate and give thanks for. We celebrate unity, peace, and reconciliation among our conferences.
“In a season when forces threaten to divide the church, the Spirit of God has continued to bind us together as one body in Christ. We give thanks for healing conversations, restored relationships, and a renewed commitment to walk together in love, mutual respect, and shared mission across our Episcopal Area.
“We celebrate the expansion of the Church’s witness, particularly the new places where United Methodist congregations were planted this year in the South South and South East of Nigeria. These new churches stand as living testimonies that God is still at work, calling people into communities of worship, discipleship, and service. Like the shepherds who hurried to Bethlehem, faithful men and women responded to God’s call, carrying the good news into new communities.
“We also celebrate the resurrection and strengthening of our social witness ministries, which lie at the heart of Methodist faith and practice. Once again, the Church is reclaiming its calling to care for the whole person and the whole community:
According to him, agriculture initiatives has empower families, promote food security, and affirm dignity through productive work.
“Health care ministries that extend Christ’s healing presence to the sick and vulnerable.Technical and vocational training programs that equip young people and adults with skills for sustainable livelihoods.
“Women’s leadership and empowerment, affirming the vital role of women in ministry, mission, and community transformation.
“Youth empowerment, nurturing the gifts, faith, and leadership of the next generation, and giving them hope for a future rooted in Christ.
He said that these ministries proclaim the gospel not only in words, but in action bearing witness to a Savior who feeds the hungry, heals the sick, lifts the poor, and restores dignity to all.
“We remember the shepherds who left their flocks and came together in joy to witness the miracle of Christ’s birth. Their story reminds us that Christmas is never a private experience; it is a communal celebration. Just as they shared what they had seen and heard, so we are called to share Christ’s love in our homes, churches, villages, towns, and nations so that peace and goodwill may spread throughout Nigeria, Senegal, Cameroon, and beyond.
“The angels’ song—“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace”—is not a distant dream. It is a present calling. In a world marked by tension and uncertainty, Christ calls us to be peacemakers, reconcilers, and bearers of hope. May we choose love over fear, unity over division, justice over silence, and compassion over indifference.
“As we look toward the new year, let us recommit ourselves to the mission of The United Methodist Church: to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. May this holy season renew your faith, strengthen your witness, and deepen your love for God and neighbor.
“May the Christ born in Bethlehem reign in our hearts, guide our conferences, bless our communities, and lead us into a new year marked by courage, service, and the boundless grace of God.
“Merry Christmas and a hope-filled New Year in Christ – he concluded