Christmas Celebrations: See The Diverse Views of People About What It Means To Them

From time memorial, Christmas season has always proven to be the most exciting and most anticipated period of the year in which people in all parts of the world eagerly await, to throw a big party with both friends and family.

25th of December every year is dedicated to celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world, by Christians worldwide.

Though, according to research, some Christian church denominations do not believe in the celebration of the birth of Jesus, noting that it is not biblical, and also checking the history behind it; hence, they do not observe Christmas.

Girl in Christmas red dress with Christmas tree in the background

But irrespective of the conflicting beliefs here and there as regarding the festival and its origin, Christmas has in no doubt come to stay and in so many ways dwarfs all other other (both Christian and secular) festivals that are observed at other periods of every year. This is, in terms of the glamour, popularity and the high expenses usually made during the celebrating.

And, in order for us to know how much significant Christmas is, to different individuals, FAJ's Blog conducted a vox-pop with random persons, having them express the meaning or the relevance of Christmas celebrations to them. 

Here are the different views of people about Christmas, below...

Tomiwa Fadeyi - "Christmas, to me, is a time to appreciate and celebrate the precious, invaluable gift of a Saviour, from God to us. To commune as friend with friend with the Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ and to reiterate our willingness to live within HIS prescribed method of living".

Mr. Paul - Christmas as the name implies, is generally known to Christians as the month JESUS CHRIST was born and for that, it's a special month of celebrating His birth day. Christmas as it falls in the last month of d year is worth celebrating and giving special thanks 2 God for sparing us throughout d year. It's a special moment when love is shared among us, i.e, agape love. 

It's a moment when many lost contacts are regained, bringing joy and renewals of contact for vital information. Evangelism during Christmas is unusual. It gives opportunity 2 reach people with the word of God. It's also a time of taking a new resolution on how 2 balance a mistakes in d past someone's life. It's a moment when someone meets up with many opportunities. It's a moment of special giving.

Mrs. Gbonju Efuntade - It's a time of reflecting on where I am and if I'm on the right track. It's also a time to relax and have fun with the people that mean the most to me.

Larry Wright - Well, to me Christmas means reunion to family and friends, re-igniting the fire of love and opportunity to take time out to rest, recall how productive and successful you have been, to God and nature, and re-strategize for change and a better you, because in life it can always only get better.

Couples in Christmas celebration mood

Dammy Akinpelu - Aside the religious fact that signifies the Xmas been a scheme by the Catholics to inculcate the sun god day into Christianity, I also think why should we set aside a particular day for celebrating Jesus's birth? We should celebrate it everyday in our hearts. And on a normal day

Mr. Dickson Imeh - It's just a day set aside by Christians to celebrate the day God almighty the father sent his son through a virgin Mary as an ultimate gift to humanity/world to carry out the assignment of redeeming us from the bondage of sin for eternal life...it's a period of the year where we're meant to show love and give sacrificially just like God himself did for us by sacrificing his only lovely begotten son for our sake to give us life and hope of salvation.

Lilian Isikaku - Though we don't celebrate it but to me Christmas is all about sharing, reflecting, showing love and care, and most all enjoyment. I don't really see the celebration of Christ because it's paganism.

Blessing Livinus - Lol...I think Christmas is all about meeting people you have not met for a long time, to exchange gift...and have fun. That's all. 

Jonathan Akpasele - Hmmm, I will say Christmas is a season and period of love for friends, family members etc... Is also a season of great joy because is a period we celebrate the birth of Our LORD Jesus Christ and the lovely Christmas carols. Makes Christmas day more special.

Siju Ayibiowu - Christmas to me is a day set aside to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The first thing done on that day is to give thanks to God, then celebrate afterwards.  

Dare Famuyiwa - Christmas to me is a pagan festival. Christians shouldn't be celebrating it, but Christendom has taken over it.

Olamide Solademi - Christmas also can be called Noel, Nativity, Xmas, Yule. Christmas is the time to think of Jesus in a baby manger.

Nneka Azunna - Jesus Christ was born on Christmas day, and we need to celebrate it to appreciate him, because without him our sins wouldn't have been forgiven.

Christmas tree designed with lights and chairs in  a snow area

Abraham Adeogun - Christmas to me, means the center celebration of the birthday of the King that died, for also showing love to those he died for. After all we celebrate our own birthdays.

Sharon Ahkabue - To me, Christmas  means a lot of things. Christmas  is celebrated every year and it is to celebrate the birth Jesus Christ.  

During the Christmas eve, people celebrate it in different ways such as gift giving /Christmas card, church celebration and service,  Carol and Christmas light, father Christmas, Christmas feast. 

To many people Christmas is a time of sorrow because they don't have extra  money to buy present for their children, families and friends. Many are saddened at Christmas time when they think of their  loved ones who would  not be able to come home due to various  reasons. 

Christmas could also be a time of great joy it is a time of God showing his great love for us. It can be a time of healing and renewing strength. 

Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Christmas  is  also the period  in which  we look forward  to. It the time people  know how Jesus  loves us so much by laying down for our million sin. I love Jesus and I love so celebrate  his birthday. Merry Christmas.

Temi Alao - To me, Christmas is a special time because it happens once every year. It's a time when I get to see some people I didn't see throughout the year; a festive season, and a time to share (gifts, love, greetings).

Kelvin - It should be all about thanksgiving, thanking God for seeing the end of the year, celebrating holidays, and having the freedom to travel round, seeing people you haven't seen in a long while; and especially it's also all about celebrating the birth of Jesus.

Pastor Ishola Segun - It's time of gratitude and giving gifts.

Though the celebration tends to have some negative historical underlining attached to it. But truly speaking, Christmas celebration has now created a global impression and recognition that has definitely changed from that of being a pagan festival, to the celebration and remembrance of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the Saviour of the world.  

It is not just a festival, but a celebration of our Lord, and the greatest man ever to live on this earth. Christmas is, indeed, worth celebrating. 

Display Of Vocalists: Niyola and Project Fame's Desmond Showcase Vocal Skills At Church's Carol Service

It was almost as though the stage was set for only the best vocalists at a Christmas Carol Service in Lekki, Lagos, on Saturday, 17th of December, 2016. 

This happened as Victory Sanctuary Seventh-Day Adventist church held their 2016 edition of the annual Carol service at the church's auditorium in Lekki-Phase 1, Lagos. 

Niyola during her ministration at Victory Sanctuary church

At first, it was Eniola Akinbo popularly known as Niyola who mounted the altar for a soulful and spirit-filled performance of popular worship and Christmas Carol songs. She proved her extra-ordinary skill and ability to deliver and stretch a song beyond its face-value. After the rendition, the church audience responded with a loud round of applause in appreciation.

And just after she had left the stage, the Project Fame Season 2 contestant, Desmond David came on board, and also wowed the church audience with a mind-blowing and powerful ministration of a number of gospel songs. 

It was a performance in which he demonstrated the dexterity in his ability to deliver songs at the highest voice pitch level. His ministration was also greeted with a cheerful noise and applause by the congregation.

Desmond David delivering the songs at Victory Sanctuary

Other performers at the Carol service were the pastor's daughter, Jesuloba Ajide, who sang and also played the piano, Chidinma Okpechi, who played the saxophone, Obanijesu also sang and played the keyboard; and the mass choir which rendered special carol songs and led praise and worship. 

Jesuloba Ajide playing on the piano

Chidinma Okpechi performing with the sax

Obanijesu playing the keyboard as she sang

The church's mass Choir at the carol

Both Niyola and Desmond who are regular members and performers at the church, were specially invited for presentations at the Carols on Saturday.

More photos below...

     

Even In Recession: A Man Buys a Ball of Watermelon For 25 Thousand Naira In Lagos

For all those in the school of thoughts that the economic meltdown currently being experienced in Nigeria affects every citizen, I bet you will have a changed mindset after reading this.

The unbelievable event happened on Sunday, 4th of December, 2016, during the Harvest Thanksgiving service held at Seventh-Day Adventist Church, in Abule Oja area of Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria. 

The chairman of the fund-raising/bazaar sales at the harvest event, Mr. Tunde Popoola, after officially declaring the bazaar auction sales open, picked up a ball of watermelon from the pile of variety of fruits on the floor and put a price tag of twenty-five thousand on it.

He began his statement with a joke, he said "All these things (fruits) here belong to vegetarians, and me I'm not a vegetarian; if there was a cow here now, I would have taken it". Then, he picked up a ball of watermelon and added, "I'm buying this watermelon for #25,000". 

Every member of the audience responded with a very loud round of applause.

Meanwhile, Mr. Popoola had earlier donated a sum of N250,000 during the fund-raising, to support the church's building renovation project.

Hmm, money speaking. That is money...ego, kudi, owo!

                                                                                     
Who recession epp???

Lorien Collections: For Your Best In Interior Decor

Are you looking for the best service when it comes to interior designs and decorations, bed sheets, throw pillows and curtains? 

You don't need to search too far, because at Lorien Collections, we offer you the BEST of SERVICES!

For more information and inquiries, contact us @;

       No. 1, H close, Poultry Bus Stop. Ayetoro, Ogun state,

       14, Odu-Onikosi Avenue, Under bridge bus-stop. Oto-                Ijaniki, Lagos State.

Call: 09032796703 or 07064310640. 

Or e-mail: Graceanu44@yahoo.com

Make the contact and place your orders now...

BEAUTY MODEL PAGAENT: Stephanie James Takes Home The Crown: (Photos)

A new winner, miss Stephanie James has emerged for the 2016 edition of the Beauty Model Petite, also known as the Miss BMP Pageant. 

The Miss BMP is an annual beauty pageantry organized for and contested for by models across Lagos, in celebration of their God-given beauty.

  

The grand finale for this year's event took place at 3/5 Ikoyi crescent, off Osborne road, Ikoyi, Lagos, with a total of 12 contestants partaking in the final. 

More photos from the event here below...

 Stephanie James being crowned as the 2016 miss BMP

Models on the runway during the contest

The models lined up during the contest

SDA Church Youths Celebrate World Adventurers’ Day

The youths of Seventh - day Adventist (SDA) Church world-wide, has celebrated this year’s edition of the World Adventurers’ Day on Saturday, 19^th of November, 2016.

During the celebration at the branch of the church in Shasha area of Lagos, Nigeria, the event was observed, as all programmes at the centre were handled by the Adventurers, and it featured presentations, choreography and bible recitations by the Adventurer Class. There was also songs rendition by the group Melodious Crew and Oriname Ajogun.

The Melodious Crew during their presentation

The Adventurer Choir also took the place of their adult counterparts for the day. The Sabbath sermon was delivered by one of the Adventurers named Ifeoluwa Akinpelu and titled “Children: Heritage of the Lord”, with the Bible text coming from Psalm 127:3.

The Adventurers class is one of the age-grade classes of the Adventist Youth Ministry (AYM), and it was created in 1972 in the USA.

World Adventurers’ Day is celebrated once in every year, throughout all Adventist churches world-wide.

More photos from the day event, here below... 

The Adventurers having their presentations

The Adventurers, with their adult youth leader, Kehinde Akinpelu (left) on the altar during the divine service

The other youth members at the programme

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EPL: Mourinho Extends His Unbeaten Record against Wenger

By Femi Akinpelu Joseph

The United manager remains unbeaten in 12 league games against his bitter rival, with the latter rival fortunate to avoid suffering a ninth defeat by the Portuguese boss on Saturday.

The Portuguese has taken charge of 12 top-flight matches against the Gunners, first at the helm of Chelsea and now United, winning a total of five while drawing seven.

Wenger will have his countryman Olivier Giroud to thank for his last-minute equalizer at Old Trafford which spared him another defeat by the Mourinho.

United took the lead through a Juan Mata’s 68 minute goal at the second half, until Giroud’s  89^th minute header that ensured that both teams shared the spoils.

To date, the Frenchman’s only win over his counterpart in 15 attempts came in the 2015 Community Shield, while he has drawn six and lost eight.

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Nigerian Fresh Graduate Launches NGO To Train Unemployed Youths: (Photos)

A fresh Nigerian university graduate, Mr. Henry Nwogu has launched a Non-governmental charity Organization called iDENSAS NIGERIA, in Lagos, Nigeria. 

The event took place on Sunday 13th of November, 2016, at the multipurpose hall of Seventh-Day Adventist church, Maryland, Lagos. 

 According to Nwogu, the organization  (iDENSAS) was set up and targeted towards helping indigent students of higher institutions pay their school fees, and also to help train the underprivileged and unemployed youths in different trades and skills. 

The Computer Science graduate, who completed his first degree programme in Adeleke University, in 2016, said "This dream started way back when we were in the university, as we struggled through school to pay our fees, it was a tough one. But I thank God today because we made it through and the dream of helping other people and raising their hopes came to pass today".

       

One of guest speakers at the launching event, Pastor Seun Grillo advised the Nigerian youths on the need to embrace self-employment, he said "There are good jobs but there is a lack of people with skills. If you have the skills, it is the jobs that will pursue you". 

The second speaker, and lecturer at Babcock University, Ilishan, Dr. Nwaokocha Chibueze also hinted on the best ways to getting out of the current economy recession in the country, he advised during what was an interactive discussion, that people should "cut down expenses, discourage the idea of quick money, and be more creative".

He said further, "Entrepreneurship and skills acquisition should be merged together to ensure more efficiency and more profits. There should also be a connect, don't be selfish, help others who need to get opportunities for work or business. Don't do it (business) all alone". He concluded.

IDENSAS founder Mr. Henry Nwogu  during his speech

Pastor Grillo inducting the pioneer members of iDENSAS during the launch

Special prayer for the success of the organization

Donors are thereby implored to forward their contributions to the IDENSAS charity, towards office and training accommodation and training tools, which are the most pressing needs of the organization for now.


More photos from the event below...

Cross-section of the audience

Pastor Grillo addressing the participants at the fund-raising

Participants during the interactive session