Enoch Adeboye, general overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has urged Nigerians to look beyond the festivities of the Yuletide season and embrace what he described as the greatest and most enduring gift ever given to humanity—Jesus Christ.

Adeboye said acceptance of this divine gift guarantees fulfilment, peace of mind and freedom from lack, regardless of prevailing economic challenges or personal circumstances. He made the remarks on Christmas Day during a “Go-a-fishing” evangelistic outreach at the National Stadium, Lagos.

Speaking against the backdrop of Nigeria’s economic pressures and social anxieties, the cleric said Christmas, widely celebrated as a season of gift-giving, should remind Christians of God’s ultimate act of love through the birth of Jesus Christ. He warned against trivialising or rejecting what he described as the Creator’s most precious offering to humanity.

“Christmas should remind us that God has already given humanity a gift that surpasses all others,” Adeboye said. “No wise person will reject or make light of a special gift from the Creator of the universe, especially during this season.”

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Drawing a contrast between earthly possessions and spiritual inheritance, Adeboye said material gifts exchanged among humans are temporary and subject to loss or depreciation. According to him, money can disappear, clothes wear out or go out of fashion, and cars lose value over time, while God’s gift of Jesus Christ is eternal.

“If man gives you money, it can develop wings and fly away. If man gives you clothes, they will wear out. If it is a car, it will depreciate,” he said. “But the best gift anyone can ever receive is Jesus Christ. He gives peace of mind, the ability to sleep, and remains a true friend who stays with you forever.”

Adeboye added that anyone who genuinely accepts this gift would not end up a failure and would not suffer lack, irrespective of the country’s economic realities.

Also speaking at the event, the special assistant to the general overseer (administration) and pastor in charge of RCCG Region 1, Pastor Dele Balogun, described the gift of Jesus Christ as the fullest expression of God’s love for humanity, saying it comes with healing, restoration and numerous spiritual and physical blessings.

According to Balogun, accepting Jesus Christ brings victory over challenges as well as favour, breakthroughs and prosperity. He said the gift has no limitations and is available to all who willingly receive it.

He added that embracing Christ requires believers to reflect Christ-like virtues in their daily conduct. “As He is holy, we must be holy; as He is merciful, we must be merciful; as He is righteous, we must be righteous; and as He is compassionate, we must be compassionate,” he said.

Balogun said the evidence of accepting God’s gift should be reflected in society, urging perpetrators of kidnapping, insecurity and other social vices to abandon such acts.

Both clerics urged Nigerians to use the Christmas season not only for celebration, but also for sober reflection, moral renewal and a genuine commitment to the values symbolised by the birth of Jesus Christ.