The Borno chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on Christians to avoid violence and any hedonistic tendencies.

The association also enjoined the faithful to desist any act that could contradict the teachings of this season of love, care, joy, peace and support.

The CAN chairman in the state, Rev. John Bakeni, who made the appeal in a statement issued in Maiduguri, also urged citizens to embrace peace, reconciliation and love.

Mr Bakeni noted that this year’s Christmas is celebrated amidst difficult and harsh economic realities, insecurity and palpable fear of the unknown.

“But I urge us not to lose the essence and the true meaning of this solemn feast because the blessings and the graces of Christmas far outweigh and supersede these temporal and ephemeral realities. For these, too, shall pass away.

“We must not focus on the material and worldly things that life affords, but on the spiritual preparation and disposition that will allow Christ to be reborn in our hearts, our homes, our communities, our state, our nation and indeed the entire world, thereby transforming us into genuine instruments of love and peace.

“We are obliged to communicate and to extend this love and peace to all during this festive season regardless of our religious, ethnic or social status.

“I wish you all a joyful celebration with your families, friends and relatives. May the New Year, which we all anticipate, be a new beginning for all of us, especially for our nation, where religious and political leaders will grow in the path of justice, equity, peace and the fear of God in discharging our responsibilities,” he said.

(NAN)