Christmas not a time to engage in drug abuse, immorality — Bishop Onyia

The Bishop, Diocese of Nike, Anglican Communion, The Rt. Revd. Dr. Christian Onyeka Onyia, has admonished Christians to spare a thought for the poor and less privileged in society by celebrating with them, even as he cautioned that Christmas is not a time to engage in drug abuse and immorality. 

Speaking on Sunday in Enugu, Rt. Revd. Onyia said that the birth of Jesus Christ, which is marked every December 25, is a time to show love to humanity, but regretted that drug abuse, sexual promiscuity and different forms of immorality are usually practised in the guise of Christmas celebration. 

He said: “My dear brethren, I beseech you to receive this Calvary greetings in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, our Saviour and Lord. As we near the end of another exciting and rewarding year, I wish you a blessed Christmas full of joy, hope, wonder and peace. I am certain that your journey of Advent has prepared you for the coming of Christ in your life one more time. 

“ ‘For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace’ –  Isaiah 9: 6.

“As Christians, we are blessed to witness and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, His divine intimacy and unending exaltation. Therefore, during this season, we celebrate that God knows and meets all our needs.

“The 2019 coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) has over 274 million confirmed cases and caused over 5.35 million deaths worldwide as of December 17, 2021. On top of the pandemic, the Nigerian economy has created so much hardship for Nigerians. Along the same lines, the forces of darkness are getting stronger and more determined.”

He added: “Many families are struggling to make ends meet and too many young people among us are being led astray by the false gods of drugs, alcohol and momentary pleasures. Momentary pleasures that destroy permanently. 

“As foretold in the Scriptures, there is an increase in travels and knowledge, wickedness, war, and turmoil. Love of men waxes cold, while iniquity abounds. Sadly, many searches all the wrong places for answers that hurt rather than help.”