By Blessing Chinagorom
First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, former Head of States, General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio have graced the annual Nine Lessons and Carols Service, themed “Immanuel, Our Restorer of Hope,” which was held at the State House, Abuja on Monday.
Other notable personalities in attendance included the Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Secretary to Government of the Federation, George Akume, Head of Service, Didi Walson -Jack, Ministers, Former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, traditional rulers, security chiefs, members of the diplomatic corps among others.
The Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu took the 8th lesson, while in his sermon titled “Let Brotherly Love Continue,” the Vice President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Baba Payan, called on Christians to embody the spirit of love that defines the season.
According to the statement released by the First Lady’s aide, Busola Kukoyi, Payan who emphasised the importance of compassion and kindness in a world often marked by division, recalled a historical quote attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte regarding Christ’s enduring influence compared to earthly kingdoms.
He also referenced 1 John 4:7-9, declaring that “God is love,” and John 3:16, which articulates the core of Christian belief: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.”
The cleric highlighted that Christmas is fundamentally about love. “This season invites us to reflect on how we can show love to those around us”, while stated that love transcends boundaries of ethnicity, religion, and social status. “Your neighbor is anyone who requires your help” 
He urged congregants to reach out to those less fortunate during this festive season. “Let us show love to anyone in need of our help and he elaborated on the significance of love in spiritual life by quoting 1 Corinthians 13:1, which states that without love, even the most eloquent speech is meaningless.
“We live in an age where many seek miracles, signs and wonders. While we celebrate these miracles, sings and wonders, the greatest proof of our spirituality remains our capacity for love”, Rev. Baba Payan said.
