CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL: See What Gov. Lalong Tells Plateau Christians.
By Moses Gbande
As Christians world over prepares for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, Mostly known as “Christmas” the Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong has called on their Plateau counterparts to continue to be the Light and reflect the essence of the birth of Christ the Saviour in all their actions and interactions.
Givernor Lalong wh madebthsbvakl during the 2019 Christmas Carol held atvthe governent house chapel admonished Christians to continuously promote and practice peace, as according to him, peace is central to development. “We have to build on the successes that we have achieved so far and ensure that the ugly past is truly behind us.
“It is a great delight to be here to witness yet another Christmas Carol and to address you today. Let me first thank God Almighty for sustaining us throughout the year and keeping us alive to witness this special day and celebrate another Christmas Carol.
“Indeed, many are not alive to witness this day. I WILL LIKE US TO OBSERVE A MINUTE SILINCE IN HONOUR OF OUR DEPARTED BROTHERS AND SISTERS ESPECIALLY OUR YOUNG PERSONS WHO DIED IN THE RECENT MINING SITE COLLAPSE IN ZAWAN.
“No doubt an event like this gives us the opportunity to reflect on the goodness of the Lord and count our blessings one by one.
“Being the first Christmas Carol organised by the Government House Chapel since our re-election, I will like to use this opportunity to sincerely thank the citizens of Plateau State for again massively voting us back into office.
“We remain grateful for this confidence and promise to live up to expectations of our people. Today’s event is one that puts us into the Christmas mood as we enjoy angelic voices and partake in praising God for the gift of Jesus Christ who came to save mankind from sin and condemnation.
“While Christians the world over participate in various activities to mark Christmas, we must never forget the essence of this highly Spiritual event.
“Apart from fulfilling the Scriptures, the coming of Jesus Christ changed the course of mankind where salvation became available to both the Jew and Gentile.
“Little wonder, Jesus Christ in His short time on earth taught us many lessons that advocate love, unity and inclusivity where no one should be discriminated against for whatever reason.
“Even today, this teaching remains relevant for us as His followers because that is what gives us the boldness to proclaim a relationship with Him.
“Therefore, if Christ brought Light into the world by saving mankind irrespective of man’s sinfulness, what reasons can we give as Christians today for not loving and forgiving others?
“I raise this because Plateau State has gone through a lot of trying moments over the years that have tasted our faith and our ability to love, forgive and tolerate others.
“Despite the crises we have gone through and the pain many have passed endured, we cannot allow our rich heritage of faith in Jesus Christ to be lost because of our negative experiences.
“We should remember that many have been attracted to our State because of the Fruits of the Spirit they see in us which makes us loving, patient, peaceful, kind and joyful.
“Little wonder, Plateau State has been known as the Home of Peace and Tourism, which I believe goes beyond its natural beauty to the inner beauty and accommodating posture of its people.
” I therefore call on Christians on the Plateau to continue to be the Light and reflect the essence of the birth of Christ the Saviour in all their actions and interactions.
” Let us promote and practice peace because it is central to our development. We have to build on the successes that we have achieved so far and ensure that the ugly past is truly behind us.
” As a Government, we are continuing our Rescue Mission by implementing our three-pillar policy vision that is anchored on Peace, Security and Good Governance; Infrastructural Development; and Sustainable Economic Rebirth.
” We shall therefore continue to count on your prayers, support and constructive criticisms to enable us discharge this burden with all our energy.
” I assure you that we will continue to administer the State with the fear of God and carry everyone along according to our oath of office.
” At festive periods like this, there are those who are criminally minded and planning to unleash mayhem on innocent people celebrating the season.
“Let me warn that I have directed the security agencies to deal decisively with anyone found disturbing the peace of the state and engaged in any criminal activity.
” I call on all citizens to go about their celebrations freely but with utmost vigilance so as to report any suspected criminal to the security agencies for prompt action.
“Peace has come back to Plateau State and it is our duty to all protect and preserve it at all cost.
“Finally, I wish to call on all of us not to keep the joy and pleasures of the season to ourselves alone, but to reach out and share with others, particularly the less privileged and those of other faiths.
“After all, God so LOVED the world that he GAVE Jesus Christ to us. We cannot afford to be stingy or withhold his blessings to us at this season.
“I wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year ahead”.
Nasarawa Reporters 