CHRISTMAS 2007 MESSAGE BY:
HIS LORDSHIP, MOST REV. DR. V.A. CHIKWE
Catholic Bishop of Ahiara Diocese


“We saw His star as it rose, and have come to do him homage” (cf. Mtt. 2:2). With these words, the three wise men announced their arrival in Jerusalem on their mission to pay due worship to the King of kings and the Lord of lords; the new born Saviour of the world. Having dwelt on the theme of peace in my Christmas message to the people of God last year, I wish, this time, to call our minds back to the import of the universal salvation which Christ our Lord came to bring to mankind.

1. Led by the star of the Nativity, the three wise men from the East embarked on a historic and transformational journey of discovery. Their destination was the manger in Bethlehem which provided harbour for the new born King of the Jews who is also, the King of the world.

2. Attracted by the splendour of that star which also radiated the splendour of the new born Christ the Emmanuel, the Magi left the comforts of their abodes in the East so that the light of Christ would forever become a guiding beacon for them along the tracks of true discovery of wisdom.

3. Their departure from their home and early arrival at the scene of the Nativity became a historic dividing line between earthly wisdom and Divine wisdom. Enthralled by the presence of the truly Wise King, they had to give up their most priced possessions so as to be filled by the Salvific wisdom that flows from God's fountain.

4. Representing the best and most sacred the human genius could offer in those days, the Magi had to bow low even before presenting their gifts to the new child. By that action, the best that could be found among the human genius submitted to the eternal sovereignty of Christ. That action also showed how encompassing the saving love of the saviour could be upon those who seek His face in truth and in spirit.

5. Seeking the face of Christ is in the truest sense of the word, the mission of every child of God and of every Christian. When the face of Christ shines on us, the darkened parts of our hearts shall be illumined, our actions would become a guiding light to others, our families shall be cradles illumined by the light of the Divine and our nation shall truly become a city built on a hilltop, known for its transparency and humane and principled stand on socio-economic and moral issues.

6. The homage we pay to the new born child in the manger must be total so that we may in turn be fully transformed by the saving presence of the Emmanuel God with us.

Let this transforming power flowing from Christ in the manger so touch our lives, our homes, our state and our nation such that the joy that Christmas brings, becomes truly, a joy that liberates; a joy that saves.
May our Blessed Mother Mary who provided warmth and comfort for her child in the manger cover you all with her mantle of love. May all your journeys at this Christmas and in the New Year be safe and sound.
Wishing you Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year.

+MOST REV.DR V.A. CHIKWE
(Catholic Bishop of Ahiara Diocese)