Abuja – The Vicar, St. James Anglican Church, Asokoro, Ven Princewill Ireoba, has advised Christians to stay free from debts during Christmas celebrations.

Ireoba gave the advice while speaking to newsmen at St. James Anglican Church, Asokoro, on Friday in Abuja.

He described the season was not just a casual celebration but to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ and the love of God to mankind.

“We should learn to revere God and we should embrace Him, appreciate Him and don’t do things to impress people, don’t do it to go into debt.

“We are not just doing a birthday party but we are celebrating the birth of Christ because Christ came into this world as God’s special gift to mankind.

“His name Jesus will save people from their sins and to dwell among men.

“We should be conscious of the presence of God no matter the situation and the challenges we are facing at this time,’’ he said.

Echoing similar views, Mr Kadré Ouedraogo, ECOWAS President, called on Nigerians to keep praying for peace to reign in the country and Africa as a whole.

Ouedraogo said that Christmas should be celebrated with love in giving and sharing to the less priviledged, orphans and needy.

“We pray for peace in Nigeria and Africa; in spite of all our tribulations, lets stay together in love and unity.

“Lets see Christmas as something that we should celebrate no matter how difficult the past years has been,’’ he urged.

He also said that Christmas was the best moment for family and friends to come together in brotherhood with one another.