The Cathedral Church of St. John, Iloro, Ilesa, was filled with joy, thanksgiving, and deep spiritual reflection as the faithful gathered to celebrate the Christmas Day service, commemorating the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
The service of rejoicing and celebration commenced with the processional hymn I.O.M. 87, after which the Venerable Dr. Justus Akinwale Omoyajowo formally called the congregation to worship. The liturgy proceeded solemnly as a Lay Reader read the Old Testament lesson, the Cathedral Choir chanted the Psalm, the Epistle was read by Venerable Professor ’Posi Aduroja, while the Gospel was read by Reverend Agbeniga.
Preaching at the service, in what he described as a statutory duty of a Diocesan Bishop, the Diocesan of Ilesa, The Rt. Rev. Professor Dapo F. Asaju, emphasized the importance of the Bishop preaching in the Cathedral Church. He noted that the Cathedral symbolically represents all parishes within the Diocese, and therefore, the Bishop’s presence and message serve as a blessing to the entire Diocese.
In his sermon, Bishop Asaju admonished the congregation to understand the true meaning of Christmas beyond outward celebrations. He stated that Christmas is not merely about dancing, drinking, killing chickens, or changing clothes, but rather a sacred moment of reflection—remembering God’s great gift of salvation through the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Bishop further stressed that healing ultimately comes from God, not merely by human effort or medical expertise, citing Psalm 107. He urged the congregation to continually praise the Lord, reminding them that God is the true healer and deliverer of His people.
He cautioned that singing carols and reading lessons should not obscure believers from knowing the truth of the Gospel. He explained that the coming of Christ was foretold by the prophets in the Old Testament and joyfully welcomed in the New Testament, affirming that it is only through the precious blood of Jesus Christ that humanity finds cleansing and redemption.
Highlighting the blessings of Christmas, the Bishop outlined five key truths:
1. Christmas brings salvation to humanity.
2. Christmas brings divine light into a dark world.
3. Christmas reminds believers of the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ.
4. Christmas teaches humility, as Christ came in lowliness.
5. Christmas assures believers of God’s protection.
In further exhortation, Bishop Asaju encouraged Christians to be spiritually prepared to confront the kingdom of darkness by putting on the whole armour of God, as instructed in Scripture. He drew biblical illustrations, including the victory of David over Goliath, to remind believers that triumph comes through faith in God, not by physical strength.
He concluded his sermon with prayers for the Diocese and expressed appreciation to the clergy, choir, and the entire congregation for their steadfast faith and commitment.
The Provost of the Cathedral, the Very Rev. Akintunde Morakinyo Fademi, thereafter celebrated the Holy Communion on behalf of the Diocesan. The congregation joyfully danced and offered thanksgiving offerings to God. The service was brought to a solemn close with the benediction pronounced by the Diocesan Bishop and the withdrawal hymn I.O.M. 86.
Source: Ilesa Diocese Anglican Communion on Facebook
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