Youths at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Dunamis Assembly, Badagry, were on Sunday urged to root their gratitude in Jesus Christ, with the preacher emphasizing that Christmas should be understood as a celebration of a person rather than a season.
The admonition was given by Oluwafemi Alabi during a youth service where she delivered a sermon titled Jesus, the Reason Our Gratitude Abounds, anchored on 2 Corinthians 9:15, which speaks of God’s unspeakable gift.
Alabi identified this gift as Jesus and explained that understanding His identity and role is central to genuine gratitude.
She outlined the acronym JESUS as representing Joy, Eternal, Salvation, Unending and Supply, describing each as a pillar of Christian life.
Joy, she said, does not depend on circumstances, citing Psalm 16:11, which speaks of fullness of joy in God’s presence. Gratitude, she noted, is also rooted in eternity, referencing John 17:3 to highlight that believers are secured beyond the present world.
On salvation, Alabi described it as the greatest gift available to humanity, pointing to Ephesians 2:8, which teaches that salvation comes by grace through faith and not by human effort. She also addressed God’s provision, using Philippians 4:19 to state that God supplies all needs according to His riches in glory, adding that His economy is not constrained by exchange rate or recession and that supply flows through Christ Jesus.
Referring to Jesus as the unspeakable gift that unsettled earthly authorities, she cited Matthew 2:3, noting that King Herod was troubled at the news of Christ’s birth, leading to the killing of innocent children in Bethlehem. She linked this to the idea that festive seasons, including Christmas, can present spiritual challenges, highlighting the need for vigilance and faith.
Alabi also spoke on gratitude as appreciation for benefits received, emphasizing humility before God. She referenced Psalm 103:2, warning that ingratitude reflects doubt and pride. She said believers are expected to give thanks as part of God’s will, citing 1 Thessalonians 5:18, and added that Jesus promises peace even during trials, as noted in John 14:27.
In her concluding remarks, Alabi urged the youths to approach the coming year with gratitude as a guiding attitude, noting that while the future remains unknown, Jesus remains constant, as stated in Hebrews 13:8.
The service ended with prayers, as youths were encouraged to sustain gratitude with a clear understanding of Jesus Christ as the centre of their faith.
