The Delta State House of Assembly Chapel on Wednesday held its annual Nine Lessons and Carols service in Asaba, with a resounding call on Christians to rediscover the spiritual essence of Christmas beyond the seasonal festivities.
Delivering the sermon on the theme “Benefits of Salvation”, guest preacher and founder of House of Royalty International Christian Centre, Asaba, Pastor Tony Kennedy, charged believers not to allow the glamour of Christmas lights, parties and feasting to overshadow the redemptive purpose of Christ’s birth.
“Christmas is more than lights and feasts. It is the celebration of the salvation package that only Jesus can provide,” Pastor Kennedy declared, urging the congregation to embrace the full blessings of salvation.
Citing Luke Chapter 7, the cleric listed the benefits to include escape from God’s wrath, dominion over sin, divine health, supernatural provision and eternal peace, stressing that “only Jesus can truly meet every human need.”
The well-attended service commenced with the first Bible lesson read by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo. The second lesson was taken by the Majority Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi.
The chapel resonated with spirit-filled choral renditions by the Assembly Chapel Choir and a guest performance by the Nigeria Immigration Service Choir.
A major highlight was the cutting of the Christmas cake and a special thanksgiving session led by the leadership of the House.
Present at the event were members of the 8th Assembly, Chairman and members of the Delta State House of Assembly Service Commission, Clerk of the House, Mr. Oto Aghoghopia, former Clerk, Mrs. Lyna Ocholor, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Pat Ajudua, several clergymen and legislative staff.
Chairman of the organising committee and Deputy Clerk (Administration), Mr. Bright Edoge, thanked the Speaker and all supporters for the successful outing, praying for continued divine blessings on the State Legislature.
The service ended on a note of renewed hope, reinforcing Christmas as God’s ultimate gift of redemptive love to humanity.
