Christmas is celebrated every year on December 25th. It is a day to remember the birth of Jesus Christ, who is very important in Christianity.

Many people enjoy fun traditions like decorating trees, giving gifts, and singing carols. But the real meaning of Christmas is much deeper.

It is about God’s love, the gift of salvation, and the hope that Jesus brings to everyone.

The Birth of Jesus

The story of Jesus’ birth is not just a random event. It was promised a long time ago in the Bible.

In Isaiah 7:14, says, “The virgin will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel.” Immanuel means “God with us.”

This shows that God planned for Jesus to come and save the world. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, a small town, to Mary and Joseph.

His birth fulfilled this promise and brought hope to the world.

When Jesus was born, angels appeared to shepherds and sang a message of peace. In Luke 2:14, they said, “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to those He favors.”

This peace is not just for big groups of people or nations. It is for every single person who believes in Jesus.

He brings peace to our hearts and helps us feel calm, even when life is hard.

God’s Love for Us

Christmas is a reminder of how much God loves us. In John 3:16, the Bible says, “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not die but have eternal life.”

This means that Jesus was a special gift from God. He came to earth to show us God’s love and to save us from our sins.

This love is for everyone, no matter who you are or where you come from.

Christmas is also about hope. It reminds us that no matter how tough life gets, there is always a reason to look forward.

Romans 15:13, says, “May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust Him.”

This verse tells us that when we trust in God, He fills us with happiness and peace.

Christmas reminds us that Jesus is our hope, and He will never leave us.

Why Christmas Still Matters Today

Even though Jesus was born over 2,000 years ago, the meaning of Christmas is still very important today. In our world today, many people feel stressed, lonely, or unsure about their future.

Christmas reminds us that God loves us and wants to help us. It encourages us to love others, share peace, and give hope.

Also, Christmas is a time to reflect on what matters. It is not just about presents or parties.

It is about spending time with loved ones, helping those in need, and remembering the birth of Jesus.

Christmas is more than just a holiday. It is a special time to remember God’s love, celebrate the gift of Jesus, and find hope and peace. Jesus’ birth was not just an event in history.

It was the beginning of a plan to save the world and bring people closer to God.

The Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting green infrastructure, emphasizing its vital ecological benefits and the positive impact on humanity.

This was revealed during the flag-off ceremony of the first phase of the green infrastructure initiative.

The Commissioner for Forestry, Engineer Taiwo Oludotun, represented at the event by the Director of Forestry, Survey, Demarcation, Inventory, and Extension, Mr. Wale Sonubi, explained the state government’s proactive approach to environmental sustainability.

He explained that beyond beautifying the environment, green infrastructure plays a critical role in reducing the risks of natural disasters like erosion, windstorms, and earthquakes.

He praised the initiative as a strategic response to the growing challenges of climate change.

Engineer Oludotun emphasized that tree planting remains a top priority for the state government, which is determined to utilize every available urban and rural space for afforestation efforts.

He commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for his unwavering support of the Forestry Ministry.

According to him, the Governor’s commitment has significantly boosted the agency’s capacity to achieve its ambitious goal of planting over five million trees within the last five years.

He remarked that tree planting is not only about improving aesthetics but also about safeguarding lives and communities.

He stated, “When you plant trees, you are protecting yourself from natural disasters that could otherwise have devastating effects, such as windstorms, erosion, and earthquakes.”

The Kogi State House of Assembly has officially approved the 2025 Appropriation Bill, amounting to N582.4 billion.

This monumental step was achieved following the thorough adoption of the report submitted by the House Standing Committee on Appropriation, Budget Monitoring, and Economic Planning.

During the clause-by-clause deliberations led by the committee of supply, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf announced that the budget allocates N281.15 billion for recurrent expenditures, covering areas like salaries, overhead costs, and operational expenses.

On the other hand, a significant N301.28 billion is earmarked for capital expenditures, which will focus on infrastructural projects, development programs, and key investments aimed at boosting the state’s economy.

Rt. Hon. Yusuf made emphasis on the importance of the budget in addressing the needs of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

He mentioned that it provides a clear framework for the allocation of resources across the board.

The implementation of this bill will commence on January 1, 2025, and run through December 31, 2025.

While commending the lawmakers for their dedication to their legislative duties, the Speaker expressed gratitude for their commitment to scrutinizing and refining the budget.

He praised their collaborative effort in ensuring that the bill aligns with the developmental priorities of Kogi State.