By Adekunle Williams and Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
Lagos, Dec. 19, 2025 (NAN) – The Yuletide spirit descended upon Trinity University, Sabo in Yaba, as the academic community—management, staff, and students—gathered in solemn yet joyous celebration for the 2025 Christmas Carol of Seven Lessons. The event, a cherished annual tradition, transformed the campus into a sanctuary of reflection, music, and communal faith, marking the Advent season with profound theological depth.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Clement Kolawole, framed the evening’s significance, noting the carol’s theme: “All Hail, the Saviour of Mankind: A Carol of Seven Lessons.” He explained that the service was dedicated not merely to commemorating a historical birth, but to celebrating the living hope and transformative power found in Jesus Christ. “This is a season that marks the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ,” Prof. Kolawole stated. “It is part of the tradition of the university that every year, on the third week of December, we organise a carol to thank God for the success of the year, to celebrate God for Jesus Christ for our lives, and to prepare our hearts for Christmas.”
The core of the service was the structured reading of the Seven Lessons, a traditional format that traces the narrative of salvation from prophecy to fulfilment. Prof. Kolawole outlined the scriptural journey:
- First Lesson (Isaiah 9:6): The prophecy of a coming Messiah, establishing the divine promise of a “Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This sets the stage for God’s plan of redemption.
- Second Lesson (Luke 1:26-35): The Annunciation to Mary, marking the intimate moment where the divine plan enters human history through humble obedience.
- Third Lesson (Matthew 1:22-23): The fulfilment of prophecy in the virgin birth, emphasizing Jesus as ‘Immanuel’—God with us.
- Fourth Lesson (Titus 3:3-8): A post-Resurrection reflection on the reason for the birth: salvation and renewal through grace, not human merit.
- Fifth Lesson (1 Peter 1:18-23): A focus on the priceless cost of this salvation—the precious blood of Christ—and the call to a new, sincere life of love.
“The importance of the seven lessons,” the VC elaborated, “is to remember the birth of Jesus Christ, the comfort it gives, and the joy to live for Him and Him alone. It is about following in the standard of Christ and embracing the positive change that narrative brings to an individual and a community.” This structure moves the congregation from ancient expectation to personal application, a theological arc designed to inspire both worship and commitment.
Echoing and expanding on this theme, the Pro-Chancellor, Mr. Samuel Olatunji, delivered a powerful message framing Christ as the eternal Good Shepherd. In a world he described as marked by “turbulence and chaos,” Olatunji emphasized God’s unwavering commitment. “This theme, ‘All Hail the Saviour of Mankind,’ means God is committed to saving the world… God, from the foundation of the world, has been committed to this beautiful festival of salvation,” he declared. He portrayed the Christmas story not as a reactive plan but as the unveiling of a promise “there before the world began,” offering protection, provision, and deliverance to all.
Directly addressing the student body, Olatunji urged them to internalize the season’s values: “I urge the students to always celebrate the values of Christianity and keep the principles of God by giving love to themselves, living a clean life, working hard, and making God the centre of their lives.” This call to practical discipleship underscored the university’s mission to integrate faith with learning and character formation.
The carol service was a vibrant tapestry of worship, attended by the university’s Governing Council, academic deans, department heads, staff, and students. It blended the solemnity of scripture with expressive celebration, featuring dance choreography, dramatic presentations, and heartfelt song ministrations. These artistic expressions served to illuminate the lessons, making the ancient story resonate with contemporary emotion and energy.
In essence, Trinity University’s Christmas Carol of Seven Lessons was more than a seasonal event. It was a living demonstration of the institution’s commitment to anchoring education within a framework of Christian ethics and hope. It provided a sacred pause—a moment to hail the Saviour, reflect on a timeless narrative of love and intervention, and step into the new year carrying the light of that promise.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports. (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Vivian Ihechu
