As the world marked Christmas, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, urged citizens to celebrate with reverence and modesty. The governor called on them to do so with the understanding that Christ remains the Comforter through the Holy Spirit.
In his philosophical message issued on Thursday, Diri said Christ’s birth was an anchor of hope and urged Bayelsans to honour those who carry burdens, wounds, fears, or silent tears.
He added that the coming of Jesus was an assurance that no darkness, no matter how deep, was beyond His reach.
“Jesus came not for the comfortable, nor for the triumphant, but for the broken, the grieving, the captive, and the weary. So, even as our flesh might falter and our hearts might ache, let us remember that God is the strength of our hearts. He does not promise us immunity from pain, but He promises to walk with us through it — to heal where there are wounds and to lift us where He allows us to fall.
“The Word of God states in 2 Corinthians 12:9: ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ This is my Christmas message for 2025. God’s power shines brightest in our weakness. His love is most radiant when our light seems dimmest,” Diri said.
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In the message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, the governor particularly urged the people of the state to find strength in the Word of God, which gives hope.
He stated that although the state was still mourning the passing of his deputy, the people must look beyond the pain and sorrow to the succour and light that the birth of Jesus brought to humanity and the world.
According to the governor, even in sorrow, believers in Christ must find a deeper truth.
He wished the people of the state and Christian faithful worldwide a merry and joyful Christmas celebration.
