Special services and Holy Masses were celebrated across Christendom to thank God for the gift of his son, Jesus Christ, who was born to redeem mankind.

Christians at their various places of worship, were in a joyous mood and adorned in the colours of the season alongside the churches, depicting the birth of Jesus the Saviour.

In a sermon at the Cathedral Church of Saint Faith, Awka, the Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger, Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim, asked Christians to celebrate this season with caution and deep reflection over their national and ecclesiastical life, shunn evil and wickedness and express love to one another, which according to him, is the hallmark and message of Christmas.

He noted that Christmas season is a season of good news, good tidings, season of peace, favourable greetings, testimony, witnessing of the goodness of the lord and above all a season of sober reflection.

The parish priest, Saint Aloysius of Gonzaga, Ukwulu, Reverend Father Nickolas Okekeocha, said the birth of Jesus Christ marks the beginning of the history of salvation as Christ came as light into the world that was shrouded in darkness to enlighten mankind in their earthly journey.

Reverend Father Okekeocha noted that Christ was born as a King of Peace, therefore, Christians should welcome him as light into their lives, families, work places and business in order to know and do the will of God in whatever they do.

At Saint Marks Anglican Church, Enugwu-Agidi, the vicar, Venerable Nnamdi Emendu, encouraged Christians to allow Christ to be born in their lives so as to remove every aspect of bitterness, rancor, envy in them and restore hope.

Venerable Dr Emendu challenged parishioners to strive and live a new life in Christ to be able to conquer and do exploit in different spheres of life.

Special renditions, thanksgiving and prayers, climaxed the services and Holy Masses celebrated today.