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“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” – Luke 2:11 (KJV). The above account of the Holy Bible justifies the celebration of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ, which is commemorated by billions of Christians across the world, Nigerians inclusive, on December 25 each year. Although some scholars have argued that Jesus Christ was not born on December 25, the essence of the celebration is hinged on the fact that a Messiah to save the world from sin and reunite mankind with his Creator, the Almighty God, had been born. Thus, emphasis should be on the birth rather than the date Jesus Christ was born. In Nigeria, the federal government has traditionally declared Wednesday, December 25 and Thursday, 26 as well as January 1, 2025, as public holidays to enable Nigerians celebrate Christmas and New Year. Interestingly, Christmas transcends a mere day’s merriment. It is, in fact, a season, generally referred to as the yuletide, which runs from December through to the New Year. The yuletide is usually marked by a series of preparations towards the celebration of Christmas and New Year. Many Christians, and even non-Christians, embark on the decorations of their homes, offices and other business outlets to herald the coming of Jesus Christ, who his followers believe is the saviour of mankind. The season also witnesses mass purchase of clothing, foodstuff, and other items which causes a spiraling inflation in the prices of commodities. There is also the mass movement of people who travel to various locations across the country to join their loved ones to celebrate Christmas. This high commuting accounts for the high rate of fatality from road traffic accidents during the yuletide season. The rate of crime and insecurity is also high during the Christmas period. While these preparations in themselves are good, the snag here is that they tend to overshadow the love, humility, and simplicity which Christmas symbolises and exemplifies. The birth of Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords, in a manger in Bethlehem signifies his humility and simplicity; the gift of gold, frankincense and mar to Jesus by the three wise men from the East demonstrates Jesus’ kingship and love for humanity. Blueprint therefore enjoins Christians and, indeed, Nigerians of all faith to imbibe the message of Christmas, which is love, humility, and submission to the will of God. Nigerians should seize the opportunity offered by Christmas to turn to God in prayers as the panacea to solving the country’s multi-dimensional challenges – banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, high cost of living, among others. Nigeria’s leaders at all levels, particularly those of the Christian faith, must strive to emulate the virtues as well as adhere to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ humbled himself by shedding off his divinity in order to be offered as a sacrificial lamb for the redemption of mankind. This is instructive for Nigeria’s leaders who rule like emperors and loot the country dry thereby causing hardship for the generality of the people. The recent tragic incidents in Abuja, Anambra and Ibadan during a stampede for rice that was being shared are, indeed, deplorable. The incidents, which claimed dozens of lives, should serve as a clarion call on the nation’s leaders to repent and govern with the fear of God; the birth of Jesus Christ today offers the opportunity for true repentance and reconciliation with God. The president urged the citizens to pray for the nation’s leaders at all levels. “On this joyous Christmas Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to Christians across Nigeria and worldwide as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, as narrated in the Holy Scriptures. Nigeria is on a promising path of restoration and progress, with every indication pointing towards a bright future. In the spirit of this season, let us renew our hope and belief in a prosperous Nigeria,” he said. To Tinubu, Christmas embodies the fulfilment of divine prophecy and symbolises the triumph of love, peace, and unity. He said the event is a poignant reminder that light can emerge even in the darkest times, bringing solace and hope, adding that this belief resonates with people of all faiths. Indeed, God is with us. We join President Tinubu and the sub-national and religious leaders in urging Nigerians to foster love, unity, peace and tolerance for the accelerated socio-economic and political development of the country. Notwithstanding the harsh economic situation which has plunged millions into multi-dimensional poverty and the attendant low key celebrations, Nigerians should take solace in the fact that Jesus Christ has come to give life, and to give life abundantly. We wish our Christian compatriots Merry Christmas.
BIRD ISLAND — The puzzle pieces are there for the BOLD boys basketball team. It is just a matter of if the Warriors can put them all together. BOLD, which finished 5-9 in the West Central Conference and 14-13 overall in 2023-24, has four starters back in the mix and a new head coach in Dan Gross. He will be assisted by Mike Palm and Alex Smoothers. “We’ll be a very experienced team with a deeper bench,” Gross said. “We hope to use our athleticism and strength to wear teams down.” The Warriors will lean on their biggest puzzle piece, Jack Gross, in pursuit of a strong season. The 6-foot-5 senior guard is coming off a junior year where he averaged 24.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 2.5 steals per game. His 673 points for the season were the most in BOLD program history. He was an All-Area Second Team pick.Jack is Dan’s son. Will Penkert also will provide experience and physicality in the paint for the Warriors. He is a 6-3 senior forward who averaged 17.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game as a junior. That earned him recognition as an All-WCC Honorable Mention. “We know that Jack and Will are proven players, but we will need others to continue to grow and contribute the way we feel they can,” Dan Gross said. Owen Baumgartner and Hudson Vosika round out BOLD’s returning starters. Baumgartner is a 6-3 junior forward who averaged 7.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. Vosika is a 5-9 senior guard who averaged 5.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. The Warriors will also lean on Mathew Jacobs, Dalan Weber, Tyler Ruschen, Owen Flann and John Morse for contributions. “The conference will be tough, as always,” Gross said. “We will need to fight for everything every night. Ultimately, we hope to fight for a run in the section playoffs.”None
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A local organization focused on addiction recovery is celebrating more than four decades of work in Ottawa and the thousands it helped along the way. On Sunday, the city declared Nov. 24 as Serenity Renewal for Families Day, named after the organization. Two nuns who were teachers started the addiction recovery centre in 1986 after they saw a gap in services that were needed for families. The centre provides counselling and programs dedicated to helping those with substance abuse issues along with their entire families, including children. Catherine, a woman who wished not to use her full name, shared her inspiring story of how the program helped change her life and how she is working to do the same for others. Feelings of isolation when dealing with addiction is something she understands well. "This time in my life I was in total crisis," Catherine said. "I felt judged by a lot of people in my life, and I was just in a place of despair." She says she struggled with alcohol and substance abuse, and it wasn't until she found the organization that she saw a way forward "The services they offered, it was unheard of to me," she said. "I didn't really know that something like what they were offering was available to me and I felt genuinely excited to get involved with their organization and have a chance at recovery." Catherine says the centre has a non-judgemental approach. She told the story of when she missed her first appointment, thinking she'd be cast aside, but found she was still welcomed. Today, she provides workshops with the organization to help others who need the same. Director Neil Leslie says its what makes the organization unique. "It gives ways for people to explore why it is they feel, act and react the way they do," he said. "It creates a safe space for not only for the person who's in recovery from addictions but also the family members surrounding them that are affected by their recovery." Donors and supporters all gathered on Sunday to mark the day. Leslie says the need for their services is growing and it wouldn't be possible without donors. "If it wasn't for them, we can't do what we're doing," he said. Catherine says she wants everyone to feel seen and heard the way she was. "You are valuable, you are a valuable human being," she tells people in recovery. "We want you to recover and the reason why I'm here doing these workshops with you is because I can share my real-life experiences." Ottawa Top Stories Here's how you can watch CTV News at Six on Sundays during the NFL season Police lay more charges against pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Ottawa Ottawa addiction recovery organization celebrates 41 years Sandy Hill apartment building evacuated for high levels of carbon monoxide Indigenous boy donating hair to cancer patients, raising money for Kemptville hospital Hawkesbury, Ont. OPP officer charged with assault Mixed reaction from Ottawa business owners, customers on GST exemption Ottawa councillor violated Code of Conduct for daycare incident last summer, integrity commissioner concludes CTVNews.ca Top Stories Second Cup closes Montreal franchise over hateful incident Second Cup Café has closed one of its franchise locations in Montreal following allegations of hateful remarks and gestures made by the franchisee in a video that was widely circulated online during a pro-Palestinian protest on Thursday. ‘It’s pretty emotional:’ N.B. family escape fire, plan to rebuild home A family in Riverview, N.B., is making plans for Christmas and the future after escaping a fire in their home on November, 14. 'Still working full time on it:' One year later police continue to search for gunman in Caledon double murder linked to ex-Olympian One year after a couple was shot and killed in their Caledon home in what investigators have described as a case of mistaken identity, Ontario Provincial Police say they are still trying to figure out who pulled the trigger. Scurvy resurgence highlights issues of food insecurity in Canada's rural and remote areas A disease often thought to only affect 18th century sailors is reemerging in Canada. A man called 911 for help during a home invasion. Las Vegas police fatally shot him A Las Vegas man called for police help during a home invasion before an officer fatally shot him, according to authorities and 911 calls. These royal residences are opening their doors this Christmas Not so long ago, if you wanted to spend Christmas with the royal family, the only way to get close was to press your nose up to the TV screen during the monarch’s Christmas speech. Cat caught in hunting snare rescued by BC SPCA Donations are ramping up for a BC SPCA cat with a mangled paw after being caught in a hunting snare, one of a rising number of pets to fall prey to the hunting device. Jannik Sinner leads Italy past the Netherlands for its second consecutive Davis Cup Jannik Sinner clinched Italy’s second consecutive Davis Cup title and capped his breakthrough season by beating Netherlands' Tallon Griekspoor. Lotto Max jackpot hits $80M for second time ever The Lotto Max jackpot has climbed to $80 million for just the second time in Canadian lottery history. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. Editor's Picks 24 Of The Best Host And Hostess Gifts You Can Find Online Right Now The Best Advent Calendars For Women In 2024 All The Best Beauty Stocking Stuffers That Ring In Under $25 Home Our Guide to the Best Jewellery Boxes You Can Find Online Right Now 16 Home Gadgets That'll Make Your Life Easier The 5 Best Drip Coffee Makers In Canada In 2024, Tested and Reviewed Gifts 23 Gifts, Add-Ons, And Stocking Stuffers For Anyone Who Spends A Lot Of Time In Their Car The Ultimate 2024 Holiday Gift Guide For Nature Lovers And Outdoor Adventurers 27 Of The Absolute Best Stocking Stuffers For Men Beauty 20 Anti-Aging Skincare Products That Reviewers Can’t Stop Talking About 12 Budget-Friendly Makeup Brushes And Tools Worth Adding To Your Kit If You Suffer From Dry Skin, You'll Want To Add At Least One Of These Hydrating Moisturizers To Your Cart Deals These Apple Products Are Majorly On Sale On Amazon Canada Right Now, So It Might Be Time To Upgrade Your Tech Black Friday Has Begun On Amazon Canada: Here Are The Best Deals Black Friday Is Almost Here, But These Deals On Mattresses And Bedding Are Already Live Atlantic ‘It’s pretty emotional:’ N.B. family escape fire, plan to rebuild home A family in Riverview, N.B., is making plans for Christmas and the future after escaping a fire in their home on November, 14. Nova Scotia retirement community asks people to ‘Be a Santa to a Senior’ The Berkeley retirement community is asking people to “Be a Santa to a Senior” by making a donation until December 9 at one of their four locations in the Halifax Regional Municipality. Man arrested in Saint John, N.B., for weapons offences Saint John Police Force in Saint John, N.B., arrested a 30-year-old man for weapons related offenses on Saturday. Toronto Walking pneumonia is on the rise in Canada, but what about Ontario? Doctors and emergency rooms across Canada have said they are seeing an unusual rise in walking pneumonia cases, particularly in children, but what about here in Ontario? 'It's an optimistic space:' Inside Toronto's new drug withdrawal centre Joshua Orson sits on the edge of a bed in a bright, clean room, thinking about his journey from addict to health-care worker. Routes to avoid during the 120th Santa Claus Parade on Sunday The 120th Santa Claus Parade is back in Toronto on Sunday and will bring along some road closures. Montreal Second Cup closes Montreal franchise over hateful incident Second Cup Café has closed one of its franchise locations in Montreal following allegations of hateful remarks and gestures made by the franchisee in a video that was widely circulated online during a pro-Palestinian protest on Thursday. Two suspicious fires in Rawdon Provincial police (SQ) are investigating two suspicious fires on the same street within 24 hours in the municipality of Rawdon. Montreal police chief expects additional arrests following anti-NATO protest Montreal's police chief says he expects more arrests stemming from a Friday anti-NATO protest that turned violent, with smashed windows and burned cars in downtown Montreal. Northern Ontario Northern Ont. First Nation files claim against Ontario and Newmont mining Taykwa Tagamou Nation, a Cree First Nation located within Treaty 9, has filed a statement of claim against the Province of Ontario and Newmont, a mining company that owns properties in Timmins. Senior killed in dog attack in northern Ont. An 81-year-old was killed in a dog attack this week in Bonfield, Ont. Police believe three dogs were involved. More carrots pulled from grocery store shelves in expanded recall for E. coli: CFIA The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has announced an expanded recall on carrots over risks of E. coli O121 contamination, according to a notice issued Friday. Windsor How a senior's efforts to craft hats for students knitted his community together A Windsor, Ont., man knitting hats for kids in need has inspired his neighbours to make sure more than just ears are staying warm. Increased police presence in Tecumseh Tecumseh will see more police around Ryegate Drive and Lemire Street, as per OPP. CPKC Holiday Train coming to Chatham-Kent, Windsor-Essex If you were hoping to see the CPKC Holiday Train this year, you’re in luck! The train is chugging through Canada and the U.S., stopping in Chatham-Kent and Windsor-Essex on Monday. London World Champion Jennifer Ogg of London, Ont. among inductees in Canadian Boxing Hall of Fame When Jennifer Ogg signed up an Ironman race in Cozumel, Mex., she had no idea that months later, she’d get the call to be inducted into the Canadian Boxing Hall of Fame. Two displaced in $200,000 house fire The London Fire Department was on scene of a house fire in the city on Sunday. Three people in hospital due to collision Kitchener Kitchener auto repair shop hosts fundraiser for children with disabilities, joined by hockey legend Wendel Clark An auto repair shop based in Kitchener held a special fundraiser Saturday to help children and youth with physical disabilities, with former Maple Leafs captain Wendel Clark in attendance. Colleges and universities face job cuts, deficits amid international student cap Groups representing post-secondary institutions say this may just be the tip of the iceberg, as dramatic drops in international student enrolment exacerbate some schools' existing budget shortfalls. Walking pneumonia is on the rise in Canada, but what about Ontario? Doctors and emergency rooms across Canada have said they are seeing an unusual rise in walking pneumonia cases, particularly in children, but what about here in Ontario? Barrie Driver seriously injured after crashing into tree: OPP An overnight crash in Tiny Township is under investigation, where a car allegedly crashed into a tree and both occupants were taken to hospital. First snowfall hits region Simcoe Muskoka saw its first signs of snow of the season Sunday morning, with a mix of flurries and rain leading to worsening road conditions and police reporting multiple collisions. Local high school basketball team wins provincial championship The Maple Ridge Ravens girls’ basketball team won a gold medal at the Girls AAA OFSAA Championships this weekend in Brampton, defeating the Mother Teresa Spartans 46-42 in comeback fashion. Winnipeg Winnipeg postal workers still collecting letters to Santa amid ongoing strike Here's how Winnipeg families can still deliver their letters to Santa amid the ongoing Canada Post workers' strike. Have you seen Bostyn? Winnipeg police search for missing teenager Winnipeg police are asking the public to help find a 15-year-old girl who went missing Saturday afternoon. The Thriftmas Special: The benefits of second-hand holiday shopping The holidays may be a time for family, joy and togetherness, but they can also be hard on the wallet. Calgary Festival of Lights kicks off 38th year as snow arrives just in time For a while there, Lions Festival of Lights chair Otto Silzer was worried there wouldn’t be any snow to decorate the light show. Snowfall warning lifted but flurries remain in Sunday forecast The snowfall warning for Calgary has been lifted after a Saturday snowstorm socked the city, but there are still flurries in the forecast for Sunday. Revival of Pospisil, power play fuels Flames to 4-3 shootout win over Wild A week ago, the Calgary Flames were winning despite Martin Pospisil's slump and the NHL club's weak power play. Edmonton Electric cars a 'hot commodity' in Alberta despite misconceptions Electric vehicles are off Alberta car lots, despite what experts say are some ongoing misconceptions about the technology. Podkolzin snaps scoring slump in Oilers win over Rangers Vasily Podkolzin vowed there's more to come after his first goal with the Edmonton Oilers. Podkolzin scored the game’s first goal and Connor McDavid had two goals and an assist for the Oilers in a 6-2 victory over the New York Rangers on Saturday. Canada Post down eight million parcels amid strike as talks carry on over weekend Canada Post says it has seen a shortage of more than eight million parcels amid an ongoing strike that has effectively shut down the postal system for nine days compared with the same period in 2023. Regina Regina slammed with second snowstorm inside a week Regina is digging itself out yet again – mere days after it was slammed with the first major snowfall of the season. Dinosaur discovery reveals more about ancient Saskatchewan Researchers from McGill University have discovered a first of its kind fossil specimen for Saskatchewan. Navy wife brings together local authors for inaugural book fair Sixteen local authors and book publishers gathered Saturday for the first ever Regina Bookwyrm’s Book Fair, organized by a Navy wife. Saskatoon Saskatoon schools will be closed Monday following heavy snowfall Saskatoon Public Schools (SPS) has announced that all schools will be closed on Monday due to heavy snowfall and hazardous road conditions. Saskatoon digs out from another snowfall Saskatoon residents are digging out from another major snowfall that blanketed the city overnight. 'I'm excited to take it on': Saskatoon businesses weigh in on GST exemption Some local businesses say the federal government’s recent plan to pull back GST on several items is a positive initiative, but it should have been rolled out earlier in the holiday season. Vancouver Vancouver Police Board member resigns over social media posts A member of the Vancouver Police Board was asked to resign after social media posts surfaced that made her continued service on the oversight body “untenable,” according to the chair. Cat caught in hunting snare rescued by BC SPCA Donations are ramping up for a BC SPCA cat with a mangled paw after being caught in a hunting snare, one of a rising number of pets to fall prey to the hunting device. Widow of Chinese businessman who was executed for murder can sell her Vancouver house, court rules A murder in China and a civil lawsuit in B.C. have been preventing the sale of multiple Vancouver homes, but one of them could soon hit the market after a court ruling. Vancouver Island BC Hydro says power almost fully restored after B.C. windstorms British Columbia's electric utility says it has restored power to almost all customers who suffered outages during the bomb cyclone earlier this week, but strong wind from a new storm has made repairs difficult in some areas. Fall legislative sitting scrapped in B.C. as Speaker Chouhan confirmed to serve again There won't be a sitting of the British Columbia legislature this fall as originally planned. Canada Post down eight million parcels amid strike as talks carry on over weekend Canada Post says it has seen a shortage of more than eight million parcels amid an ongoing strike that has effectively shut down the postal system for nine days compared with the same period in 2023. Kelowna Man in hospital following targeted shooting in Kamloops Police are appealing for information on a targeted shooting that resulted in the hospitalization of a man in Kamloops. Police cleared of fault in fatal 2023 crash in B.C.'s Interior British Columbia's independent police watchdog has cleared officers of wrongdoing in a crash where three people were killed south of Kamloops in July of last year. B.C. woman sentenced for stealing $14K in funds raised for schoolkids A B.C. woman who stole more than $14,000 in volunteer-raised funds that were supposed to be spent on school supplies and programs – including hot meals for vulnerable kids – won't spend any time in jail. Stay Connected