By JKNewsMedia Reporter
RENEWED CALL for selfless service and collective responsibility took centre stage as Nigerians were urged to rebuild trust, strengthen national unity and support those facing economic and social hardship during the 2025 Service of Nine Lessons and Carols at the State House.
The message was delivered by the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Oliver Aba, during the third annual service hosted by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
The service was themed “Emmanuel: God With Us” and brought together national leaders, clergy and worshippers for an evening of scripture, music and reflection.
The State House venue was illuminated with Christmas lights as the 100-man mass choir of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) filled the space with carols that blended reverence and celebration.
Also, the programme followed a structured order of service beginning with the opening hymn Once in Royal David’s City, followed by the Bidding Prayer and the carol Ding Dong Merrily on High.
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, read the 1st lesson from Genesis chapter 3: 8-12.
His reading was followed by the choir’s rendition of Hark the Herald Angels Sing.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo read the 2nd lesson from Genesis chapter 22:15-18, after which the congregation sang Brightest and Best of the Sons of the Morning.
The 3rd lesson from Isaiah chapter 9:6-7 was read by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, and followed by The First Noel the Angel Did Say.
Then, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, read the 4th lesson from Isaiah chapter 11: 1-4, paired with the carol Still the Night Holy the Night.
Again, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, read the 5th lesson from Luke chapter 1: 26-31.
The choir responded with O Come O Come Emmanuel and Joy to the World The Lord is Come.
This was followed by the 6th lesson from Luke chapter 2: 4-7 read by the President of the Court of Appeal, Hon Justice Bolna’an Dongban Mensem, followed by While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night.
Seventh lesson from Luke chapter 1: 10-14 was read by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa retired, after which the choir sang Cradled in a Manger Meanly.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun read the 8th lesson from Matthew chapter 2:9-12, followed by Christians Awake Salute the Happy Morn.
The host of the evening, the First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, read the 9th lesson from John chapter 1: 1-14 as the congregation stood to sing O Come All Ye Faithful.
A press release signed by Busola Kukoyi, Senior Special Assistant Media to the First Lady, noted that the service reached its spiritual peak during the exhortation delivered by the preacher, Aba, who spoke on the theme Emmanuel and described it as God’s presence with people during difficult times faced by the nation.
He said Nigerians were called to unity and selfless action and urged an all-hands-on deck spirit to rebuild trust, strengthen national cohesion and support citizens affected by economic and social challenges.
“Jesus did not come to be far away from us. He came to be present. He came to be closer and involved in our everyday affair. The almighty’s love is not distant. He’s near, He’s personal to us, and He walks with us like our shadows… if you feel lonely? The Lord is with us,” Aba said.
He assured the gathering that God’s presence remains constant in all circumstances, sating: “Situation of life that is beyond our control… I want to assure you that God is with us in Christ. I want to assure you brothers and sisters in Christ, God is with you in the valley, in the storms of life and in the victory that means in season and out of season… Jesus has decided to live among us,” he said.
Referring to national challenges including inflation, insecurity and division, Aba called for collective commitment. “As a people, as a nation… when you are worried, God is with you as a Prince of Peace… Today the Prince of Peace is ready to give us peace,” he said.
He also spoke on the theme of love, drawing from John chapter three verse sixteen. “It’s about the love of God for humanity, and that is why Jesus had to go on the cross… For God so loved the world He gave His only Son,” he said.
Addressing leaders and citizens, Aba asked where allegiance lies. “Nigerians and non-Nigerians… The doctrine that is that of the selflessness, which side are you as people of one nation? We must come together so as we are celebrating Christ Nigeria can be better,” he said.
He urged reflection on peace and love as the service concluded saying: “As we rise from this place and go back home, what will you meditate on? Meditate that we are celebrating this evening… The peace that Jesus brought into this world, the love that he has portrayed.
“The love that you have demonstrated among us, if all of us and everything around us shall stand for good, how many of us are ready to be on the Lord’s side for somebody to use?” he said.
The evening also featured cultural expressions through traditional Elu Agogo rhythms as the service concluded with a joyful rendition of We Wish You a Merry Christmas.
