•Commissioners Friday and Glory Ayanam
The Territorial Commander of The Salvation Army in Nigeria, Commissioner Friday Ayanam, has sent out a message of hope to Nigerians at Christmas.
According to the national leader of the largest denomination known internationally for its humanitarian services, the birth of Jesus is bringing “hope to the hopeless, comfort to the hurting, and light to a dark world”.
Commissioner Ayanam said this as part of the Christmas message he personally signed and sent to all comrades and friends of The Salvation Army in Nigeria this morning, with a copy made available to The Frontier.
“For us in The Salvation Army, the birth of Christ reminds us why we serve. Jesus came to bring hope to the hopeless, comfort to the hurting, and light to a dark world,” he said.
Continuing he said, “This is the heart of our mission. We are called to share His love in practical ways, to reach the lonely, the poor, the broken, and the forgotten — just as He reached out to us”.
Ayanam, together with his dear wife Commissioner Glory Ayanam, went on to pray that all “homes will be filled with peace, joy, and God’s presence throughout this season and into the New Year.
“We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May the light of Christ shine brightly in your lives today and always.God bless you.”
READ THE FULL MESSAGE BELOW:
A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER, THE SALVATION ARMY – NIGERIA TERRITORY
My dear Officers, Soldiers, Adherents, and Friends of The Salvation Army,
Grace and peace to you in the wonderful name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
As we celebrate Christmas this year, my heart is full of gratitude. The birth of Jesus is God’s greatest gift to the world. His coming reminds us that God sees us, God loves us, and God chooses to dwell with us.
“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given…” (Isaiah 9:6). This is the message of hope that changed the world forever.
When Jesus was born, the angels were the first to proclaim the good news. They announced it to simple shepherds in the field, saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14).
And far away, wise men followed the star and came seeking the newborn King, bringing their gifts with joyful hearts (Matthew 2:1–11). The news of His birth touched shepherds, wise men, and ordinary people—just like the message of Christ continues to touch us today.
For us in The Salvation Army, the birth of Christ reminds us why we serve. Jesus came to bring hope to the hopeless, comfort to the hurting, and light to a dark world. This is the heart of our mission. We are called to share His love in practical ways, to reach the lonely, the poor, the broken, and the forgotten — just as He reached out to us. “Whatever you do for the least of these, you do it unto Me”(Matthew 25:40). This has always been our Army spirit.
Because Christ was born, we now have a place with God. His coming brings us forgiveness, new life, and a relationship with Him. We are no longer far away; we are God’s children, called to walk with Him daily (John 1:12).
As Salvationists, let us keep the true Christmas spirit alive. Let us share what we have with our families, neighbours, and as many people as we can. Christmas is not only a celebration, it is an opportunity to love, to give, and to bless. That spirit of giving is part of our identity as an Army. Let us open our hearts and hands joyfully this season.
My wife, Commissioner Glory Ayanam, the Territorial Leader of Women’s Ministries, joins me in sending you our warmest wishes. Together, we pray that your homes will be filled with peace, joy, and God’s presence throughout this season and into the New Year.
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
May the light of Christ shine brightly in your lives today and always.
God bless you.
Commissioner Friday S. Ayanam
Territorial Commander,
The Salvation Army Nigeria Territory
