BISHOP
CHIKWE'S 2006
NEW YEAR MESSAGE
As we thank God for seeing us through to the end of 2005,
we are immensely grateful to Him for allowing us enter
the New Year, 2006. It is a year of grace. It is a year
of favour from God. It is a year of opportunity and another
chance.
As individuals, we have witnessed the hand of God in our
lives. We have seen our weaknesses and short-comings.
Were a e able to use the opportunity given by God to do
well and help those in need?
As a nation, how far did we build good image of our selves.
In many aspects, the political class was very much below
expectations. Some of our political office holders were
publicly exposed and disgraced. There was money laundering,
grafts and gross misconduct. It was almost free for all
to grab and steal public money. Some of the so called
elected leaders had nothing to show. The welfare of the
common man which should have been their prime concern
was grossly neglected.
Corruption has reached a crescendo that is now a big shame
to the whole country. There is too much lip service and
selective justice in the fight to eradicate it. We need
Divine intervention. Oh Lord come to our assistance, Oh
Lord make haste to help us.
It is not enough to make New Year resolutions; there must
be the will to change. There must be the conscious effort
to turn round like Zacchaeus to confess and make restitution.
We as citizens must put God first and recognize that he
is our final end. Our society is riddled with rifts and
dissensions. If we want peace, we must be able to forgive
and tolerate others. Christ came to make this world a
better place to live and prepare for the everlasting home
with him. Let us make our society a home of peace and
love.
If God has allowed us to see the New Year, it is not of
our own making, but a demonstration of his love for us.
We should demonstrate love to our fellow human beings
this year.
I wish you a Happy and Bright New Year. Amen.
MOST REV. DR. VICTOR A. CHIKWE
Bishop of Ahiara, Mbaise.
2005
Christmas Message
