By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan
Some Christians, including clerics, have shared what Christmas means to them and how they would like it to be celebrated.
The respondents stated their expectations and the importance of the day in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Tuesday.
They also called on governments at all levels to tighten security, thus guaranteeing safe travelling and a hitch-free celebration.
The Most Rev. Williams Aladekugbe, Archbishop of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province and Bishop, Ibadan North Diocese, Anglican Communion, says the significance of Christmas lies in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
Aladekugbe said Christians should use the day to express gratitude to God for His wondrous love towards mankind.
According to him, Christmas emphasises sacrificial living for the common good of all, as found in the Bible, Philippians 2:13-14.
He said the Christian faith should be lived daily, adding that the Church should be alive to the proclamation of the gospel and praying for the peace and well-being of the nation.
“In celebrating Christmas, God should be our priority.
“This calls for a renewed dedication to God’s service and humanity; eating and drinking should be in moderation, so as not to fall into sin, referring to Philippians 4:5.
“In this hard time, we must be mindful of the poor, and assist them financially and materially as admonished in Hebrews 13:16,” he said.
The Anglican bishop called on the government to prioritise the welfare and well-being of the citizens, starting with improved security.
“It is important that a sizeable security personnel, as a matter of fact and necessity, serve in their states of origin to eliminate compromise, which some people have been complaining about.
“Bad eggs within the security set-up should be flushed out and dealt with to serve as a deterrent to others.
“The government should ensure that banditry, killings and other social vices are eliminated.
“Leaders should rule with the fear of God in knowledge that they are God’s stewards, and that they will give account of their stewardship at the end of the day.
“To this end, they should make fairness and righteousness their watchword,” he said.
Aladekugbe also urged the citizens to take up the responsibility of making the nation great.
“This can be done when all are patriotic towards our nation, in knowledge that the nation is greater than any individual or group.
“Therefore, let us all, both the leaders and the led, rise to the challenges confronting our nation at this particular time and solve them once and for all; not only for our common good, but also for the good of the next generation,” he said.
Also, Rt. Rev. Oluyinka Akande, the Bishop of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Lagos West, described Christmas as the moment when eternity stepped into time.
Akande said it was a time when God chose humility over majesty, a manger over a palace, and love over force.
“Christmas reminds us that salvation did not come through violence or domination, but through peace, obedience, and self-giving love (Luke 2:10-14).
“It calls humanity back to God and to one another.
“Christmas presents a moral reminder to leadership that authority is a trust given for service (Romans 13:1–4),” he said.
The Methodist bishop emphasises that security must remain the priority, affirming that the persistent banditry, killings, kidnappings, and displacement of innocent citizens demand decisive, coordinated, and intelligence-driven action.
“Beyond military responses, the government must confront poverty, unemployment, injustice, poor governance, and lack of education, which continue to fuel violence and criminality.
“Christians are encouraged to celebrate modestly, avoid excesses, and remember those who cannot celebrate due to loss, displacement, or fear,” Akande said.
Meanwhile, Dr Rosemary Odigbo said beyond its spiritual meaning, Christmas calls for the responsibility to care for one another and to build a more compassionate and just society.
Odigbo, the Coordinator of Child Protection Network Nigeria, Oyo State, stated that Christmas should be celebrated by putting people first, especially children, widows, the elderly, and families struggling with hardship.
“It should go beyond food, clothes, and celebrations to include acts of kindness, protection of children, support for the vulnerable, and promotion of peace within our communities.
“True celebration is seen in sharing, giving hope, and standing up for those whose voices are often unheard,” she said.
She emphasised that the season should challenge people to address social issues, such as child neglect, abuse, poverty, and inequality.
“Christmas reminds us that love must be practical, not symbolic,” she said.
According to her, if the values of Christmas, which are love, justice, compassion, and unity, are practised beyond the season, society will be safer, kinder, and more inclusive.
“Christmas should not only be celebrated, but it should be lived,” Odigbo said.
A civil servant, Mr David Adeoye, says Christmas is a time to reconnect with loved ones, share blessings, and enjoy the warmth of community.
“Spiritually, it’s a time to reflect on Jesus’ birth—how He came to the world humbly, born in a place meant for animals to emerge as the Saviour of the world.
“His birth taught us to live a humble life and strive to be useful, no matter our condition,” he said.
Mrs Odutola Oyetayo, a nurse at Adeoyo Maternity Hospital, Ibadan, said that Christmas should be celebrated to bring joy and salvation, not for expensive spending.
“It should be a time of visiting the less privileged people, especially those in the hospital and correctional facilities.
“No church should have any programme on Christmas Day. It should be for the celebration alone, because some churches don’t celebrate it,” she said.
A civil servant, Mr Olakunle Oladunjoye, said Christmas celebrations include setting up decorations, exchanging gifts, feasting and observing church services.
“It’s a period where we share various types of gifts with people around us. Christians use carols, nativity scenes, and gift-giving to remember Jesus.
“For me, Christmas should be celebrated every day with hope, reflection and the spirit of giving,” Oladunjoye said. (NAN)
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