•Pedestrians walk past a giant Santa Claus figure displayed in a shopping mall in Berlin yesterday, Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Over two billion Christians all over the world on Wednesday celebrate the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
From Nigeria to the rest of Africa, Europe, Asia, The Americas, Christians mark Christmas with funfair, more than two thousand years after Jesus was born in Bethlehem, south of Jerusalem, reports AFP.
Christmas, which has evolved into an annual occasion, is a season of love, hope, joy, togetherness, and charity.
Pope Francis presided over the Christmas Eve mass in St Peter’s, and will deliver his traditional Christmas Day blessing, Urbi et Orbi (to the city and the world), at midday today.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who has recently been suffering from a cold, was pushed up to the huge, ornate bronze door in a wheelchair and knocked on it before the doors opened and he went through as the bells of the Vatican Basilica rang out.
Tinubu, Wife Rejoice With Christians
In Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu felicitated Nigerians on the Christmas celebration, saying the country is on the path to restoration and progress.
The president in a statement he signed yesterday urged the citizens to pray for the nation’s leaders at all levels.
“On this joyous Christmas Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to Christians across Nigeria and worldwide as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, as narrated in the Holy Scriptures,” he said.
“Nigeria is on a promising path of restoration and progress, with every indication pointing toward a bright future. In the spirit of this season, let us renew our hope and belief in a prosperous Nigeria.
“Let us extend similar support and prayers to our nation’s leaders. With your backing, we can serve our country diligently and strive for prosperity.”
He said the event is a poignant reminder that light can emerge even in the darkest times, bringing solace and hope, adding that this belief resonates with people of all faiths. Indeed, God is with us.
Also, the wife of the President, Remi Tinubu, assured Nigerians that the administration of her husband is committed to positive changes that will benefit every Nigerian.
In her Christmas message, the President’s wife said some of the policy changes are already yielding positive results.
She thanked all Nigerians for their support for the President’s administration in the last 18 months and pledged the government’s continuous support for all citizens.
She urged Nigerians to look forward to the new year, 2025, with bright optimism.
“As this year comes to a close, let us hold onto the belief that better days are ahead. Let us continue to love and support one another, foster unity, and embrace the diversity that makes our nation so great,” she said.
