"Brotherly Love Highlighted at 2024 Nine Lessons and Carols Service in Aso Rock"

"Brotherly Love Highlighted at 2024 Nine Lessons and Carols Service in Aso Rock"

The 2024 edition of the annual Nine Lessons and Carols Service, themed “Immanuel, Our Restorer of Hope,” was held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

The event, which brought together notable Nigerians and religious leaders, featured scripture readings by prominent personalities. These included former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd); Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike; President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; EFCC Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede; and the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who took the 8th lesson.

Delivering the sermon titled “Let Brotherly Love Continue,” Vice President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Baba Payan, emphasized the importance of love, compassion, and kindness during the festive season.

Drawing from Hebrews 13:1-2, he urged Christians to demonstrate brotherly love and extend hospitality to others, referencing the biblical passage about entertaining strangers, who may unknowingly be angels. Rev. Payan further cited 1 John 4:7-9, affirming that “God is love,” and John 3:16, which underscores the essence of Christmas: God’s gift of His Son for humanity’s salvation.

“Christmas is fundamentally about love,” Rev. Payan stated. “This season invites us to reflect on how we can show love to those around us, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or social status. Your neighbor is anyone who requires your help.”

The cleric encouraged attendees to reach out to the less privileged during the season, adding that the greatest demonstration of spirituality is love. Quoting 1 Corinthians 13:1, he noted, “Without love, even the most eloquent speech is meaningless.”

He also referenced a historical quote attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte, who once observed that earthly kingdoms fall, but Christ’s kingdom endures because it is founded on love.

The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; the Head of Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack; cabinet ministers; former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan; traditional rulers; security chiefs; members of the diplomatic corps, and other dignitaries.

The event served as a call to unity, love, and hope as the nation prepares to celebrate the Christmas season.

Signed
Busola Kukoyi
SSA Media to the First Lady of Nigeria
Monday, 16th December 2024