Christmas Calls for Love, Not Luxury, Catholic Bishops Say
As Christmas is celebrated worldwide, Catholic bishops in Nigeria have called on Christians to use the season as a time for reflection and genuine charity, emphasizing that its true spirit lies in emulating Jesus Christ rather than indulging in personal pleasure.
In separate Christmas messages, the bishops of the Oyo and Osogbo dioceses urged the faithful to recenter the celebration on faith, compassion, and sharing with those in need.
‘Share Jesus, God’s Greatest Blessing’
Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo, stressed that Christmas is fundamentally about Jesus Christ. In a message titled “At Christmas, Share Jesus, God’s Greatest Blessing,” he reminded believers that “to truly rejoice and celebrate Christmas, we must emulate Him by doing good.”
“The Christmas story is the story of a baby—a symbol of hope and humility,” Badejo said. “Although He was born over two thousand years ago, true Christians must today give birth to Him in our hearts and, by His spirit, bring good news to the poor, reject injustice, and set captives free.”
He called on Christians to actively share love and goodwill, quoting Scripture: “There is more happiness in giving than in receiving.” Badejo also directed a pointed message to leaders at all levels: “Repent! Help those put in your care. Empower people as it is in your power to do.”
‘A Time for Christ’s Light, Not Merriments’
Echoing this sentiment, Most Rev. John Oyejola of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo clarified that “Christmas is not a time to indulge the self in pleasure, expensive shopping, and merriments, but a time to allow the light of Christ to shine brightly on our souls.”
In his message, “At Christmas, We Celebrate God’s Unconditional Love,” Bishop Oyejola warned against pursuing “smaller lights” that appeal only to fleeting sensory pleasures. “In the absence of Christ the light, everything will become confused, chaotic, and lifeless,” he said.
He emphasized that a worthy celebration involves sharing blessings, “not just with our relatives and friends… but more importantly sharing the love of Christ, kindness, and warmth with the poor and the needy.”
Both bishops framed Christmas as an active season of faith in action. They encouraged parishioners to extend compassion to the sick, the poor, and the vulnerable, and to hold onto hope amid national challenges.
“The most precious gifts you can give your loved ones for Christmas are: loving words and deeds, compassion, forgiveness, appreciation, understanding, and acceptance,” Bishop Oyejola concluded.
Their messages collectively reinforce that Christmas is an invitation to embody Christian values—turning belief into tangible love, justice, and generosity for all.