CAN Holds Interdenominational Christmas Service in Jalingo
By Hilary John
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Taraba State chapter, Jalingo branch, has held an interdenominational combined Christmas service at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Jalingo.
The guest speaker, Rev. Fr. Ephraim Sani, delivered a sermon titled “Hope Does Not Disappoint,” drawing his text from Isaiah 11:1–10. He urged Christians to remain hopeful despite the many challenges facing the country, stressing that Jesus Christ, whose birth is being celebrated, is not only qualified but also the One who qualifies others.
He encouraged believers to keep hope alive, assuring them that hope does not disappoint.
In his goodwill message, the CAN Chairman, Rev. Fr. Dr. Williams Awoshiri, said Christmas is more than a holiday or annual celebration, describing it as a season of hope, restoration, and renewal for families.
He noted that Jesus was born as a gift to all humanity and called on Christians in Taraba State to promote unity and peaceful coexistence.
According to him, religious diversity should not be a source of division.
He urged Christians to pray for lasting peace in the state and the nation and to ensure that Christmas celebrations remain Christ-centred.
Former Governor of Taraba State, Rev Jolly Nyame, also delivered a goodwill message, calling on Christians to continually pray for leaders, especially Governor Agbu Kefas, whether they are in office, at home, or on official journeys, rather than engaging in gossip.
Speaking to journalists, the Commissioner for Basic Education, Dr. Augustina G. Yahaya, described Christmas as a season of joy and happiness.
She said Christians gathered to encourage one another, noting that Christ is their hope and the true reason for the season.
She urged believers to keep hope alive regardless of the prevailing situation in Taraba State, adding that Christians should pray for their leaders, particularly Governor Agbu Kefas, whom she said God has placed in a position of authority.
Also speaking, Bishop Ande Emmanuel of the United Methodist Church of Nigeria (UMCN) described the interdenominational service as a strong symbol of unity within the Christian community.
He said Christians from different denominations came together under one umbrella to offer praise, thanksgiving, and prayers in commemoration of Christmas.
He noted that despite challenges such as insecurity, unemployment, and poor infrastructure, the central message of the service was hope, expressing optimism that better days lie ahead for Nigeria.
Similarly, the CAN Coordinator for Jalingo Local Government Area, Rev. Fr. Innocent Daloba, said Christians from both the local government areas and state levels gathered to celebrate the gift of Christ and renew their hope.
He observed that many challenges in the country and workplaces often make people feel hopeless, but the message of Christmas, he said, is to remain hopeful, as hope is a virtue that sustains Christians.
