Basilica
Kingsley Abavo (Managing Editor), Imeko
Already celebrating Christmas; the holy City of Imeko in Ogun State; International headquarters of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) is agog with festivity as members pour in across the world for this year's Convocation tagged: 'Halleluyah' Rev.19 Vs 1.
The annual Convocation which usually begins on the 20 to 25 in December, is one of the many spiritual traditions of the famous white garmet Church.
The event is a melting point of some sort as it brings together members and even friends of the Church for prayers, spiritual cleansing and renewal, re-enactment of spiritual relationships with God, reassurance, and even catching fun to free the mind from the many troubles of today's world.
Members in their prayers seek the face of God, ask for mercy and forgiveness of sins, divine blessings, hands over all their troubles to God who has power to fight all battles and take charge of all situations, and even healing in case of the sick; while they give Him thanks for the year ending and commit the journey of the year ahead (new year) into His care.
In spite of the biting financial hardship in Nigeria, the City has been choked up since Thursday last week and it is hitting the roof top with just hours to Christmas.
As marathon prayers are on the one side being held, musical performance by renowned gospel artists in the fold; doses of singing and drumming adds more colour and life to the event.
Also, buying and selling of all kinds; spiritual items, foodstuff which includes rice, vegetable oil e.t.c from the neighbouring republic du Benin, food by emergency restaurants, takeaway snacks even clothing both new and second hand; all manner of stuff is happening on the sidelines.
Within the Convocation period, the population volume geometrically shoots up, also monetary transactions that pour in, and this year's is not different.
Imeko; not only is it regarded as a holy City, it holds some form of tourist attraction with the presence of the site of fountain of water from the rock.
To visit the site, one is condemned to climbing the only steep, stony access road which poses a test of physical fitness to the visitor as it is energy sapping!
However, in the allure of curiosity, members of the CCC in their numbers flock to this site daily, throughout the Convocation not only for sightseeing; but to fetch the water in its state of purity as a form of souvenir.
In this season of festivities, the entire City particularly the Celestial Church area is as busy as a beehive and never sleeps.
Interestingly, in anticipation, the organising committee doing a yeoman's job, has put in place a good security arrangement with operatives of the military, police, National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Road Safety Corps on ground.
Imeko 2024 Convocation like past editions, apart from its spiritual positive impacts, it also holds huge economic gains to the residents, visiting traders, and even the Ogun State Government.
Sermon
On the theme of the Convocation: 'Halleluyah', various preachers exhorted; persons who should be chanting the heavenly language are those in the divine presence of God as Jesus's presence is always with them. Quoting Isaiah 41vs10, it was urged; fear not!
On the meaning of Halleluyah; Hallelu means to praise joyously while yah is Yaweh (i.e.) praise God joyously. So when Halleluyah is chanted; it means praising the Lord God joyously.
The sermon lesson was drawn from Rev.19 vs 5, James 1 vs 17; Rev 19 vs 1, 2, 3-4, 5, and 6; Psalm 121 Vs 1; and Isaiah 54 Vs 17.
Also; Celestial members were reminded how to chant the divine word; halleluyah as given to the fold by God through the pastor, founder, SBJ Oshoffa but it was noted that followers have today deviated and invented their own way.
Therefore it was important they return to the original doctrines of the Church because God has reason to have given them to the fold, it was urged.
Remembering man of the supremacy of God and the ownership of every soul; all the glory, honour and adoration must be unto Him alone, the gathering was told.
Therefore for all His grace and mercies upon man even in our iniquities, it is enough to worship and praise Him, it was added.
The gathering was further urged; this is the time to obey and truly seek the face of God but if anyone chooses otherwise, there is freedom to continue as the eyes of God are upon us all.
The various preachers noted; that the gathering is a holy one but unfortunately, there are some who still indulge in that which is not of God and for every action or inaction; there is an appropriate repercussion it was pointed out; hence men must repent now.
Rounding up every sermon section; prayer was offered to God to make the year 2025 one of abundant testimonies for as many who trust and look up to Him alone; as the beginning and end in all situations and the owner of all authority and powers.
Indeed; Imeko 2024 was all glitz, fun filled and true manifestation of the spiritual power of God in the affairs of man, hence it will certainly linger for a long while in the memory of many attendees.
Meanwhile; it is notable in terms of overall organisation; and delivery, the Committee in-charge; thumbs up to them!
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