God is with us always
4th Sunday of Advent, Holy Trinity Church, Maitama, Abuja, 21.12. 2025. Homily by Archbishop I.A. Kaigama
Readings: Is 7:10–14; Rom 1:1–7; Mt 1:18–24
Theme: God is with us always
“The maiden is with child and will soon give birth to a son whom she will call Immanuel, a name which means ‘God-is-with-us'” (Is 7:14).
The Lord’s coming is at hand. Watch! The language of the watchman (maiguardi in Hausa) is in use in the readings around this time before Christmas. Romans 13:11 – “And we know the present time, that now is the hour for us to rise up from sleep. For already our salvation is closer than when we first believed.” Romans 13:12 – “The night has passed, and the day draws near. Therefore, let us cast aside the works of darkness, and be clothed with the armor of light.”
Today’s Responsorial Psalm (Ps 24), “Let the Lord enter; He is King of Glory,” reminds us that we must choose to allow Him to enter our hearts with His love and grace so that our lives can be Christ-like, to be Christ-centered, and to be another Christ.
Today, we also reflect on the good news of God’s love brought to us by the Angel Gabriel. Without this love, there would have been no hope for humanity. It was that love that brought us all from the depths of darkness and despair into the light of salvation and grace, the reason for our Christmas joy.
As we put up decorations, buy presents, plan for parties, give out Christmas cards, and do a lot of things for Christmas, in all these acts of preparation, God is more interested that our love should be well rooted in us and to flow out towards others. He is more interested that as His Son comes amongst us, so, through us, shall justice flourish, and peace lasts forever. He desires that we shall save the needy when they cry, the poor, and those who are helpless; have pity on the weak and the needy and save the lives of the needy. Let His glory fill the earth (cf. Ps 72: 1-2,12-13,18-19 (R. sec 7).
You, in Holy Trinity Maitama, are well known for your acts of corporal works of mercy. I am sure you are prepared, as you were in previous years, to carry out your deeds of mercy individually and through your organizations, such as St. Vincent De Paul. The President of the St. Vincent de Paul has hinted to me of their plans this year. May all planned activities be successful. Thank you for sharing with the poor.
Christmas is a yearly reminder that Christ’s light and glory can only be seen through us, through the life and conduct of each and every one of us. You are asked to represent Jesus, because you are His hands, feet, mouth; you are His ambassador, soldier, etc. The President of the US, Donald Trump, shows us how not to be ashamed or afraid of our faith. He greets people, “Happy Christmas,” rather than the anonymous “happy holiday.” On December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, in his presidential message, he praised Catholics on such a Holy Day for honoring the faith, humility, and love of Mary, mother of Jesus, and one of the greatest figures in the Bible.
He acknowledged, openly, the distinct role of the Blessed Mother Mary in salvation history and in the history of America when he concluded his speech by reciting the “Hail Mary” even though he is not a Catholic.
Some past American leaders and some European leaders whose countries’ cultures are rooted in Christian civilization don’t want to stick out their necks for Christianity. In the name of freedom or democracy, they are prepared to remove the cross from public places, ban traditional Christian public prayers, or engage in any act they feel is capable of offending others’ religious sensitivity. Even when they give some material support, some ask you clearly not to use it to promote religion.
Dear brothers and sisters, budget your time and ensure that there is always time for God; also, make sure you have time for yourself, time for your nation, and time for others. When we wake up in the morning, we should think of God first.
Thank him before mapping out what you plan to do for the day. Always say, “Deo Volente” (God willing). Then think of how your work and your day will impact others positively. I wonder how those who set out to terrorize, kidnap, attack, kill, etc., think when they open their eyes first thing in the morning after having enjoyed the protection of God throughout the night.
When you think only of yourself, we say you are self-centered, egocentric, or narcissistic; when you think of others, we say you are altruistic. Nigerians should learn to be more altruistic. Philippians 2:3 says, “Let nothing be done by contention, nor in vain glory. Instead, in humility, let each of you esteem others to be better than himself.”
Learn to go beyond yourself. Last week, I was in Guzape Church, and then on Sunday, I was in Gbagalape Church (from where I went on to Giwiko and wondered if the people I met in Giwiko are really part of the FCT. The road leading there was difficult; they have a mud church building, and even then, it was badly cracked and was falling apart.
Going beyond your comfort zone is a mission imperative. As the Archbishop of Abuja, the FCT is my primary constituency, but I still go beyond here to render pastoral services elsewhere. Recently, I was in Godfrey Okoye University for their convocation because I am their Chancellor. I went on to Umuahia for a church function, then to Okigwe, and then back to Enugu for various events (because of my long stay, somebody gave me the name “Ama ala” – son of the soil).
By virtue of your baptism, you are a missionary, so reach out and get involved in church activities, here or anywhere you find yourself.
Some do mission by going, some by praying, and some by giving. Of the 69 new pastoral areas, I do mission by going there physically. Since you may not go physically, please pray for their safety and growth. It is important, however, to know where they are located. I request those among you who have the capacity to become patrons and supporters of these pastoral areas to do so. Some have done so. Visit some of these areas. It is not always about money, but about exercising your missionary gift, expressing solidarity.
One of you here is doing that presently. He is in touch with a new pastoral area and is ready to build a church and a father’s house; another family is almost finishing a church building.
Many of you here are doing great things for the Church, even if silently. Some people here are spearheading the structural development that the Archdiocese has embarked upon. Some support at bazaars, harvests, or various activities of the Church. Please budget your time to allow some time for spiritual and pastoral matters. Even when you give much time, money, and talent, you still find time for private communication with God. Talk to him as you do to another friend.
Out of 24 hours a day, dedicate a few minutes to prayerful contact with God. Pray the Angelus, morning prayer, evening prayer, night prayer, prayer before and after work, and before and after meals. Let our lives not be schizophrenic, in a manner that we keep God far from our daily life and conduct.
To the candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation, 60 of you, and to all of us, we are called to be heralds of the good tidings that Christ is coming; that His presence will drive away every fear and evil and fill us with His peace and strength. This is what we are preparing to celebrate at Christmas: God’s presence among His people.
May this abiding presence of God in our lives bring us transformation and lasting peace in our individual lives and in our nation.
St. Joseph in our gospel reading today was presented as “a just man” (Mt 1:19), faithful to God’s law and ready to do his will. May the spirit of Christmas make us just and faithful men and women.
Everyone should try to be a Christmas gift to others.
Happy Christmas to you all in advance.
