Gombe -The Catholic Bishop of Bauchi Diocese, Most Rev. Malachy John-Goltok, on Sunday urged Christians to use the Christmas season to reconcile with one another.

John-Goltok made the call in his sermon during the dedication of the St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Tumfure, Gombe.

The cleric said that the Christmas season, which reflected the coming of Jesus Christ into the world, should not be for merry making alone but also a period for reconciliation with one another and God.

“As we enter the advent, Christmas is a time of preparation; spiritual preparations; not just bothering with what we will eat or the cars we will drive.

“We should reconcile with our brothers and sisters to have good preparation for Christmas.

“You should surrender your lives to Jesus; there is nothing in this world if you don’t have Jesus.

“Living your life without Jesus is dangling and you are taking a lot of chances,” he said.

The bishop also reminded Christians to guard against what happened during the period of Prophet Noah when people were busy occupied with the pleasures of the world.

On the consecration of the new church, he told the parishioners that the Altar was a holy place of offering sacrifices and petitions, hence they should keep it holy and sacred.

“The altar is the centre of our own life as Jesus taught us to do this always.

“You should therefore reverence it and ensure its sanctity,” he said.

The bishop, who also confirmed some Catholics, told them that having received the spirit, they should be soldiers of Christ by preaching his word, forgive one another and ensure tolerance.

He enjoined the parishioners to work toward expanding the parish through giving and other spiritual duties.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Victor Deshi, commended the parishioners and urged them to sustain the efforts.

The Bauchi Diocese of the Catholic Church comprises Bauchi and Gombe States. (NAN)