Former Nigeria’s President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, has urged Nigerians and Christians around the world to celebrate Christmas with joy.

In his goodwill message, Dr Jonathan encouraged Christians to embrace peace and show love to one another as a reflection of what Christmas symbolizes for all of humanity.

He noted that Christmas presents rays of hope and optimism to the world amid difficulties occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic and other challenges.

He made this known in a Christmas message titled ‘Compliments of the Season Dear Friends, Patriots, and Christians Around the World’.

He said, “I am delighted to join you all to celebrate this year’s Christmas. The year has been defined by remarkable events across the world with COVID-19 and its many variants disrupting our systems, economies and social lives.

“In the midst of global challenges from which we, as a nation, have also had a fair share, Christmas presents to us rays of hope, joy and peace. The birthday of Jesus Christ is symbolic of love, victory, sacrifice and the sufficiency of joy and peace to the world.

“As we celebrate, let’s, therefore, live with optimism, sacrifice, peace and love towards one another and our nation. Let us manifest justice, patience and faith, which are virtues exemplified by Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.

“This is the way to build our societies better from the horrors associated with the pandemic and overcome our national challenges.”

TodayNG