By Boluwatife Oparinde
The Provost of Christ Apostolic Church Theological Seminary (CACTS), Main Campus, Ile Ife, Pastor Prof. Christopher Olubunmi Oshun, has emphasized the need to allow Christ in every life, home and ministry, during and beyond the yuletide season.
The Provost, represented by his deputy, Dr. Moses O. A. Oluwaniyi, stated this while giving his Good will message at the 2021 Christmas Carol Service of Nine Lessons organized by the Management of CACTS, held on Monday, 6th December, 2021 at the CACTS Chapel of Peace, Opa, Ile Ife, Osun State.
Pastor Oshun, who gave his message titled "There was no room for the birth of Christ in the Inn" from the text, Luke 2:7, told his audience that, "when you are talking about inn, as far as we are concerned today, we are talking about a teaching hospital; an important place; somewhere that is supposed to be better than where Jesus was given birth to."
While exploring the text, the Provost explained that, "you will discover that, that statement means there has been a search for a place, but, there was no room for the Prince of Peace. There was no room for the King of kings. There was no room for the Saviour of mankind. Who should have been given birth to in a special place?"
"It is one thing to be celebrating the birth of Jesus; it is another thing to actually understand what actually happened right there and then."
In his textual application, the head of the Seminary then asked his audience, "Is there a place or room for the birth of Christ Jesus in your heart? Has Christ been given birth to in your heart? Do you still have room inside your life? Inside your home?"
According to the cleric, "If there's still no room inside your heart, like what happened in that very passage, He will go elsewhere. Christ will relocate. If you should disallow Him in your heart, in your home, in your ministry, He will find elsewhere" that will serve as the manger.
"Begin to imagine the number of Christmas carol services you have celebrated. What will happen after this carol service? Would you still be vulnerable to sin?"
The Provost highlighted that if anyone gives Christ access in his heart, such individual will "gain access to his power. You will gain access to His blessings. If you give Him place, fear will cease, lack will cease. You will become invulnerable to sin."
Concluding his goodwill message, the cleric led the congregation to a general confession, "Christ Jesus, come and have your place in my heart. There is room inside my heart."
The carol service, anchored by Pastor M. A. Adetunji, was characterized by spiritual, melodious and inspirational songs by CACTS Chapel of Peace Choir; a drama ministration by CACTS Drama unit and varieties from the audience.
The programme had in attendance the Registrar, Pastor T.A Adesoji; Dean of Academics, Pastor S.A. Atetedaye; Chapel Director and Director of Students' Affairs, Pastor L.B. Akinyosoye and other members of staff and students of the Seminary.
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