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We give all the glory to God for the gift of another year. Our God has remained faithful despite our faithlessness and prayerlessness. God has shown us great mercies. He said to Moses in Exodus 33: 19, “… I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” We are products of His mercy and compassion and we cannot thank Him enough for His grace.

Today is not just the New Year for us in the Anglican Family. It is the day we commemorate the Naming of Jesus Christ. It is written, “Eight days later, when the baby was circumcised, He was named Jesus, the name given to him by the angel even before he was conceived.” (Luke 2: 21 NLT). Having come to this day, we want to once more remind you of all the prophetic declarations made over your life and family before now and encourage you to name them and claim them by faith for your good this New Year and in the years to come.

The year 2021 had its own challenges and peculiarities. To some people, it was a year of break through and celebrations while to some others, it was a year of tears and pains. But one thing I know is that affliction will not arise again this year. The Lord will grant you victory in all aspects of life in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Furthermore, according to Lamentations 3: 22, “Through the LORD’S mercies we are not consumed, because His compassion fail not.” For this and many more, I want to declare this year as a year of Divine Victory.

As we embark on another journey from today into the year 2022, do not forget that “righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Prov. 14: 34). Determine this year to live a righteous life which is anchored on Jesus Christ. Renounce sin and wickedness, hatred and malice. Allow God to accomplish His purpose in your life and family.

In this year of Divine Victory, do not allow anything to steal your joy. Take responsibility as regards your health and well-being. Avoid all that is unnecessary.

Make good use of your time because according to Ephesians 5: 16, “…the days are evil.” Do not allow fraudsters to dupe you. Engage yourself in legal businesses. Get involved in politics and obtain your permanent Voter’s Card. Do not take the devil for granted. He has not changed business. He is still out to steal, kill and destroy according to John 10: 10. 

We hereby call on our Government to do all within her powers not to add to the sufferings of the masses. All has to be done to avert strikes in our Educational and health Systems just to mention a few.

Let the problem of insecurity be addressed without further delay. It is not enough to declare bandits as terrorists without going after them before they spread to all parts of the nation. Our health infrastructure must be given adequate attention especially in the face of the omicron variant of COVID-19. Attention should be given to Federal roads in the South East especially, those in Abia state. Contractors handling road constructions in Abia state should also be monitored to ensure a high quality work.

As we look up to Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith, we wish you a very Happy, victorious and memorable New Year.

Your Friend and Pastor!  Geoffrey Obijuru
Anglican Bishop of Umuahia Diocese