Light for the Living

  LIGHT FOR THE LIVING FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT – YEAR A (Isaiah 7:10–14; Romans 1:1–7; Matthew 1:18–24) My beloved in Christ, As we draw very close to Christmas, the Word of God today speaks to us about obedience in uncertainty , trust when plans are interrupted , and God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises . Let us listen to this message through a story from a quiet rural community in Ebonyi State .   The Story of Nnaocham and the Unfinished Compound In a small village called Umuobasi , deep in rural Ebonyi, lived a young palm wine tapper named Nnaocham . He was newly betrothed to Nkiru , a woman known for her gentleness and prayerful life. Nnaocham had already begun moulding blocks for their compound. Every evening, he measured the land, dreaming of children playing in the yard and evenings shared with his wife. One market day, a troubling rumour reached him. People whispered things that did not make sense. His heart grew heavy. His plans collapsed. ...

LIGHT FOR THE LIVING THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT – YEAR A (Isaiah 35:1–6a, 10; James 5:7–10; Matthew 11:2–11) My beloved in Christ, In a small rural village called Kpanti , nestled among the rolling hills of Taraba State , there lived a community that depended entirely on the rains, the soil, and patience. Their lives were simple, but their hopes were deep.   The Story of Mama Sadiya and the Silent Season There was a woman in Kpanti known as Mama Sadiya , a widow who farmed a small piece of land by the edge of a dry stream. For many seasons, her crops failed. The soil cracked, the stream dried up, and hunger knocked at her door. Each evening, Mama Sadiya would sit under the old tamarind tree and pray: “God of our fathers, have you forgotten me?” But heaven remained silent. Some villagers whispered, “Perhaps God has passed her by.” Others said, “Maybe her prayers are not strong enough.” Still, Mama Sadiya waited. One day, in her pain and confusion, she sent her young nephew to the vi...

  LIGHT FOR THE LIVING Isaiah 11:1–10 • Romans 15:4–9 • Matthew 3:1–12 Prelude Folktale  “The Visitor of Peace and the Two Villagers of Umuonyima” My beloved in Christ, Let us warm our hearts with a small folktale from Umuonyima village in Mbaitolu , where the Harmattan breeze can dry your lips faster than you can say “Okwu ọma.” One early morning, news broke that a Great Visitor —sent by God Himself—was coming to the village. They said He was a man of justice and peace , who sees beyond what the eyes can see. They even added that once He enters a home, quarrel escapes through the window , and blessings jump in through the door. The town crier went around— “Kwarà! Kwarà! Kwarà! Everybody, prepare your compounds! Sweep your hearts! The Great Visitor is near!” Now, let us look at the humour hidden in human behaviour. Mama Nkiru: The Woman of Preparation Mama Nkiru, a widow known for her loud voice and soft heart, immediately picked her broom and began sweeping with ...