Deacon Udom Emmanuel.
The immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Deacon Udom Emmanuel has emphasized that Christmas remains a time to celebrate the mercy of God in saving mankind through the birth of Jesus Christ.
Speaking at this year’s Christmas Service at the United Evangelical Church (founded as Qua Iboe Church) Awa Iman, Onna Local Government Area, Mr Emmanuel said it is a tradition held to celebrate Emmanuel, God with us,
In a release by his Personal Assistant on Media, Steven Abia Esq; Emmanuel said, “there is a star for a King in every family, and that’s why the Wisemen could identify the star of Jesus Christ amongst other stars.
“This is a period of prophecy, and so, may your star shine in your family’.
Emmanuel, in tandem with Biblical injunctions, called for continuous prayers for the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD., and other leaders, and acknowledged the peace enjoyed in the State.
He urged everyone to be his brother’s keeper, loving genuinely and caring for one another, noting with gratitude the good work of Council Chairman, Hon. Kufre Umoren and encouraged all to submit to constituted authorities, while wishing all a blissful and merry Christmas celebrations.
In a sermon at the service on the theme, ‘Lessons behind the Season’, the Resident Pastor of the United Evangelical Church, Awa Iman, Ikot Idem Udo Superintendency, Rev. Titus Akpan, exhorted the congregants on the need to emulate the humility of Jesus Christ as seen from his birth to ministry life.
“The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light and they in the shadow of death, have the light of life. This is a major lesson behind the season, having Jesus Christ as the light of the world.
“Again, out of Jude’s, the least among the provinces shall come a Governor that shall rule my people, which implies that most great people would always come from very humble background.
“Yet another lesson is evident in the inability of King Herod to stop the rising of the Baby King, Jesus Christ illustrating the tendency of powers to rise against God’s plans, and the certainty that the will of God will always prevail”.
Prayers over the sermon was led by Dr. Martha Udom Emmanuel, while the Bible readings drawn from Isaiah Chapter 9, verses 1 through 7 and Matthew Chapter 2, verses 1 through 15, were taken by Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel.
The Christmas Service which featured prayers for the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, and the immediate past Governor and their families and sessions of praise and worship, and thanksgiving amidst song ministrations by various choirs, had in attendance members of the immediate past first family of the State, the Conference Chairman of the Church, and people from all walks of life who congregated to celebrate the 2025 edition of the Christmas Service.
