When I watched the trending new Christmas video, “Everybody Loves Christmas,” I was so deeply captivated that I had to watch it several times over. In a country facing numerous challenges, the video’s powerful message of hope and resilience is the much-needed tonic that conveys the true essence of the Christmas season. For me, Funke Akindele’s 5.22-minute video is more than just a festive song; it is a powerful sermon that preaches unity, joy, giving, and inspires hope. Featuring a star-studded line-up of Nigerian entertainers, including Jide Kosoko, Patience Ozokwo, Falz, Waje, and Dbanj, the video celebrates Nigerian culture and diversity. The song is a consummate blend of old Christmas carols with traditional Nigerian rhythms and modern styles, creating a catchy and vibrant melody for which Nigeria is known.
The video showcases Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, with its vibrant colours, beautiful costumes, and lively music. The lyrics emphasise the importance of kindness, generosity, and compassion during the Christmas season. By bringing together celebrities from different cultural and religious backgrounds and genres, the video shows that, despite our differences, we can come together to celebrate our shared humanity and accomplish meaningful projects. Pope Francis’ address to entertainers on June 14, 2024, echoes the video’s message: “You have the power to spread peace and smiles… You are among the few who have the ability to speak to all types of people, from different generations and cultural backgrounds.” Indeed, I am convinced that this video has succeeded in speaking to everyone. Instructively, the video highlights the importance of family, friendship, and community during the Christmas season. It emphasises that Christmas is a time for giving, sharing, and spreading love and joy to those around us. The scenes of celebrities singing, dancing, and having fun together are a testament to the power of relationships and social bonds in bringing us joy and fulfillment.
It calls on us to seek out for one another. We must create meeting points to bring everyone in so that no one is alone and no one is lonely; no one should be hungry during this season, and beyond. The season of Christmas is not only a season to give presents (gifts), but also a season to give presence (time for bonding, time for encounter, time to be available). This explains why the setting for the video is ‘Old People’s Home’, which represents the need to care for the vulnerable in the society. Who are you available to this season? ‘Emmanuel’ means that, God became Man, in Jesus, in order to be available to humanity; that is why He is called ‘God with us.’ In conclusion, “Everybody Loves Christmas” is a powerful and uplifting video that resonates with Nigerians of all ages and backgrounds. It’s a timely reminder of those values that truly matter during the Christmas season. I commend Funke Akindele and the entire cast and crew for bringing hope and joy to the Nigerian society. I bring them special blessings of joy and peace from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria. May God bless you all.
• Rev. Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh is the National Director of Social Communications of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja. He can be reached at padremikeumoh@gmail.com
