By Ikenna Orioha
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Imo State Chapter, has held 2025 Christmas Carol Service, praising and adoring God for His abundance of love, mercy, grace and guidance throughout the year.
The Christmas Carol Service themed “Jesus Christ: The Gift of Hope”, was held on Friday, at CAN Secretariat, Owerri.
The Christmas Carol Service featured prayer, bible reading, hynm and choir renditions, carol songs, congregational song, halleluya chorus, thanksgiving offering, Christmas messages.
The Christmas Carol Service was witnessed by Governor Hope Uzodimma, who was represented by Rev. Eches Divine Eches, PhD, SA to the Governor on Religious Affairs, Imo State, Bishop Maxwell C. Korie, Chairman, CAN, Southern Region (Guest Speaker, who was represented), Rev. Uzoma J. Uzoeshi, PhD, Acting Chairman, CAN, Imo State, Amb. Kennedy Ahamefula Asuzu, Chairman Youth Wing of CAN (YOWICAN), among other leaders and ordinary members of the religious association.
Presenting an address, the Acting Chairman of CAN, Imo State, Rev. Uzoma J. Uzoeshi, told Christ faithful to always show love, kindness, empathy, compassion, while upholding unity and peace in their family, church, society as they celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who he mentioned as the Messiah of mankind.
Rev. Uzoeshi explained that “Christmas is a time of joy, love, redemption. It commomerates the birth of the Messiah, who brought light to a dark world and hope to the hopeless. As Isaiah prophesied, “the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwell in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone” (Isaiah 9:2). Jesus Christ is the embodiment of God’s love, the manifestation of His mercy and the symbol of our salvation”.
The State CAN Chairman reflected that the “event is a witness to our shared commitment to ecumenism and unity. It is a platform where Christians from diverse backgrounds come together to worship, fellowship and strengthen one another. I commend the spirit of cooperation and unity that has continued to characterize our gatherings”.
Encouraging Christians not to worry over their challenges as Jesus Christ, who is the Gift of Hope to mankind, will always calm the tempest, Rev. Uzoeshi thanked Governor Hope Uzodimma, Guest Speaker, leaders of CAN and others for the memorable Christmas Carol Service.
While highlighting the significance of Christmas, the Guest Speaker, Bishop Maxwell C. Korie, Chairman, CAN, Southern Region (who was represented), said Christ died to salvage mankind, advising christians to live and work for Christ.
Urging the congregation to demonstrate peace and love to humanity, especially during the yuletide, Governor Hope Uzodimma, who was represented by his SA on Religious Affairs and immediate past CAN State Chairman, Rev. Eches Divine Eches, PhD, promised that he would continue to support the growth of the church.
“I am here to join CAN to observe the Christmas Carol Service because I love the things of God. I urge Christians to always consider humanity first in all you do especially during the Christmas celebration which is a season of exchange of love and peace to humanity”, the Governor stressed.
However, CAN, through the Chairman, Planning Committee, 2025 Christmas Carol Service, Bishop Dr. Nelson Nnanna, appreciated all for their efforts to the success of the Carol.
