Christmas Greetings to All!

Merry Christmas as the world celebrates the joyous season of Christmas, the Nigeria Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs (NSCEA) extends warmest greetings to all Christians, Nigerians and people around the globe.

“This special time of the year reminds us of the love, kindness, and generosity that Jesus Christ embodied. As we celebrate His birth, let us strive to emulate these virtues in our daily lives,” said Bishop Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, Secretary of Elders’ Council, NSCEA.

In the same message as the world celebrates the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, NSCEA urges individuals especially the youths to refrain from criticizing the Body of Christ everywhere especially on social media. “Mind your own business and stop being busy-bodies against the Church of Christ, there are so many available businesses to be done in content creation media and communication, okay, leave Christ’s job alone!” said Bishop Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, a Professor of Applied Linguistics and Communication Arts.

The NSCEA notes that social media has recently become a breeding ground for criticism, negativity, and discord against Christians and Christianity. “We urge individuals to use the social media responsibly and constructively, promoting love, respect, and unity.”

It is nitable that, “The Bible has strong words for busybodies (2 Thessalonians 3:11; 1 Timothy 5:13). First Peter 4:15 warns us, “Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler.” It is noteworthy that Peter lists meddling as prohibited right along with murder and theft. Busybodies and gossipers within and outside the church often camouflage their nosey meddling as compassionate concern, which is not really true.

Adesanya-Davies expanciates, “In Nigeria, Social media crimes in Nigeria have become a growing concern in recent years. Some social media crimes in Nigeria include: 1. Cyberbullying: Using social media platforms to harass, intimidate, or threaten others. 2. Hate Speech: Spreading hate speech or discriminatory content on social media, which can incite violence or harm against individuals or groups.

“Others are: 3. Defamation: Spreading false or damaging information about someone on social media, which can harm their reputation. 4. Online Harassment: Using social media to stalk, harass, or threaten others, often with the intention of causing emotional distress. 5. Fake News: Spreading false or misleading information on social media, which can cause harm or confusion.

She observes, “We would recall that, the “Laws and Regulation of Cybercrime Act 2015 makes provisions for the prohibition, prevention, detection, prosecution, and punishment of cybercrimes in Nigeria” with consequences of Social Media Crimes include imprisonment and fines amongst others.”

In the same message signed by the Secretary, Elders Council, Bishop Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, NSCEA also emphasizes the importance of unity and love within the Body of Christ and amongst all. For the Christians especially, “As we celebrate the love and redemption that Christ brings, let us not forget that we are all part of one Body, united in our faith and our mission to spread the Gospel.”

Again to the Christians, “Bishop Adesanya-Davies stresses that criticism and negativity only serve to weaken the Church and hinder its mission. Instead of tearing each other down, let us focus on building each other up, encouraging and edifying one another in love.”

The NSCEA calls on Christians to observe the spirit of Christmas, which is characterized by love, kindness, and generosity. “Let us celebrate the true meaning of Christmas by promoting unity, love, and harmony within the Body of Christ,” she added.

The NSCEA prays that this Christmas season brings joy, peace, and harmony to all families, communities, and nations. May the love and light of Christ shine brightly in our hearts and guide us towards a brighter future.

On behalf of the entire Supreme Council, Bishop Adesanya-Davies wishes everyone a joyous, peaceful, and blessed Christmas.

©CDA News