Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Enugu, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ike, has urged Christians to shun vices and draw closer to God as exemplified by the lifestyle of Jesus Christ.
In a Christmas message issued in Enugu, he admonished Christians to refrain from stealing, violence, kidnapping, speeding, extortion in businesses and commerce, obtaining by false pretence, cheating, selfishness and embezzlement.
The cleric also called on Christians to shun greed and acquisition of things only for themselves and their immediate families, unhealthy competitions and rivalries as well as drunkenness and wild parties, among others.
“Let us reflect on the reality of Jesus Christ’s redemption in our daily lives at this time and reach out to others with His golden message and lifestyle of love and sacrifice.
“We should share what we have with the less-privileged and the not-so-well to do, with our neighbours and other citizens, in the spirit of love.”
The bishop commiserated with families of those who lost their lives in stampedes while collecting palliatives in some parts of the country.
“I pray God Almighty to use this Christmas to bring comfort, succour and peace to the heavy hearts across the country.
“We equally use these episodes to alert our leaders; those in governments at various levels, that this is another wake-up call. There is great hunger and hardship in the nation now,” he said.