Imo CAN Unites for Annual Christmas Carol Service
By Victor Nwachukwu
Owerri, Dec. 19, 2025 (NAN)
The Imo State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) held its 2025 Christmas Carol service in Owerri on Friday, transforming the event into a powerful declaration of Christian unity and a clarion call for hope in challenging times. The service, presided over by the State Chairman, Rev. Uzoma Uzoechi, brought together diverse church blocs under the theme, “Jesus Christ: The Gift of Hope.”
In his address, Rev. Uzoechi, who also serves as President of the Imo Baptist Foundation, framed the carol service as a direct spiritual response to contemporary crises. “In a world beset by uncertainty, strife and despair, Jesus Christ offers hope, peace and redemption,” he stated. He emphasized that the 2025 celebration was a deliberate reminder that faith in Christ provides the foundational answer to societal and personal challenges, a perspective that moves the event beyond mere ritual to a relevant communal act of faith.
A Firm Stance on Unity
A significant and newsworthy element of the chairman’s speech was his direct address to internal rumors. “Contrary to rumours, CAN remains one and undivided in Imo,” he asserted. “There is no crisis in Imo CAN, we are one, we are moving forward and no plans of the devil can destabilise us. This event is a testament to our shared commitment to ecumenism.” This public affirmation highlights the ongoing importance of denominational solidarity in Nigeria’s religious landscape, where unity strengthens the Church’s voice on social and moral issues.
He extended gratitude to Governor Hope Uzodimma for his support of the chapter and his development efforts in the state, acknowledging the role of government in fostering an environment where religious activities can flourish.
The Governor’s Message: From Gifts to Giving
Governor Uzodimma, represented by his Special Adviser on Religious Affairs, Dr. Divine Eches (the immediate past CAN Chairman in Imo), expounded on the theme of Christmas as a gift. He described it as a season of “peace, salvation and hope to humanity, regardless of anybody’s denomination.” Dr. Eches then provided a practical and thought-provoking application, urging the congregation to move from receiving to giving.
He challenged Christians to look beyond the traditional symbolism of the Magi’s gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—and grasp their modern significance. “Do not think only of yourself or your family, always consider humanity and give something out this season,” he advised. He offered an inclusive hierarchy of giving accessible to all: “If you can’t give cash, give peace. If you can’t give peace, give words of encouragement and offer prayers. It is a gift from the heart.” This reframing makes the Christmas message actionable for every attendee, regardless of economic status.
Homily and Celebration
Echoing this theme, the Chairman of CAN’s Southern Region, Bishop Maxwell Korie, in his homily, urged Christians to reflect deeply on the Magi’s gifts and to “live a life worthy of emulation.” His message tied the ancient story directly to contemporary Christian conduct.
The service was brought to life through music, a core element of the Christmas tradition. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that various choral groups from all the church blocs within Imo CAN took turns entertaining the audience with melodious gospel renditions. This musical diversity served as a living demonstration of the unity preached from the podium, showing harmony in purpose and praise.
The 2025 Imo CAN Christmas Carol ultimately served a dual purpose: it was both a seasonal celebration of Christ’s birth and a strategic gathering reinforcing denominational unity, promoting hope as a public witness, and encouraging practical charity—a comprehensive embodiment of its theme, “Jesus Christ: The Gift of Hope.”
(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
VIN/USO
Edited by Sam Oditah
Media Credits
Image Credit: en.wikipedia.org
