JACK A.TASHA
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Gombe State Chapter, on Monday held the 2025 Christmas Carol Service, attracting dignitaries from across the state, including the Deputy Governor, His Excellency Manassah Daniel Jatau,Ph.D, who led a high-powered government delegation to the celebration.
Delivering his goodwill message, the Deputy Governor conveyed the greetings of the Governor and the entire government of Gombe State to the Christian community. He explained that Christmas remains a season of deep reflection on the significance of Christ’s birth to humanity, noting that the event symbolises humility, sacrifice and unconditional love—virtues demonstrated by Jesus in the manner He came into the world.
The Deputy Governor said that Jesus, though the King of kings, came in humility, born in a manger and wrapped in simple clothe. He added that Christ’s coming teaches that true greatness is demonstrated through humility and service. According to him, Jesus sacrificed His glory for humanity’s salvation, and His love remains unconditional—messages that Christians must reflect in their daily lives.
Dr. Jatau called for unity among Christians, stressing that Jesus Himself is not divided and His followers must reflect that unity in their relationships. He said whoever loves Jesus should be loved, no matter the kind of dress he or she wears, adding that Christmas calls Christians to love one another and stand together as one united family under Christ.
He expressed joy over the harmonious spirit at the event, especially the presence of Muslim brothers and sisters who joined Christians in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. He described their participation as a testament to Gombe State’s culture of peace and religious tolerance, noting that such occasions give him great happiness because they show that the people of Gombe remain united irrespective of religious background.
Also speaking, the Member representing Kaltungo/Shongom Federal Constituency, Dr. Obed Shehu—represented by Hon. Gabriel Galadima of the Kaltungo West State Constituency—congratulated Christians for witnessing another Christmas season. He encouraged them to remain courageous in the midst of challenges and to serve as the salt and light of the world.
He added that Gombe State continues to enjoy relative peace and urged Christians to pray that the days of lamentations are over as they hold firmly to faith for God’s protection and blessings.
The Chairman of the occasion and Chairman of Kaltungo Local Government, Hon. Suleiman Iliya Jatau, presented his address in songs, praising God for His protection and His everlasting plan of salvation for humanity.
The sermon, delivered by Rev. Dekkron Livinus from Matthew 2:1–10, emphasised that wise men still seek God. He reminded the congregation that the first Christmas carol was sung by angels and that God has now given humans the honour of singing to His glory. He urged Christians not to allow the distractions of worldliness to divert their attention from seeking God wholeheartedly.
Welcoming congregants earlier, the CAN Chairman, Rev. Joseph Alphonsus Shinga, expressed gratitude for the successful organisation of the 2025 Carol Service and prayed that God would help Christians overcome the hardships currently faced.
Dignitaries at the event included the former Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr. John Lazarus Yoriyo; the Commissioner of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Dr. Barnabas Malle; and the Gombe State Comptroller of Correctional Services, CC Felix Agada Audu, among others.