Director of Communications of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Monsignor Gabriel Osu, on Tuesday urged Christians to use the yuletide period to pray for peace and prosperity in Nigeria.

Osu made the call during his Christmas sermon at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Obalende, Lagos.

He said that family values had come under attack in recent times, due to the social and economic situation in the country.

"Many fathers and husbands can hardly meet up with their responsibilities; happy homes are crumbling and the children are becoming rebellious.

"At Christmas, we are expected to spare time to contemplate on challenges at the home front. We must remind ourselves that we are strangers here on earth and that our real home is in heaven.

"No matter how long we live, we shall surely die one day. Many people who started the year 2012 with us are not around to finish it.

"Like us, they commenced the New Year with high hopes and aspirations. Some may have planned to marry this year, to buy a new car or to move into their new apartment.

"But all those are now but a pipe dream. Thus, we should count ourselves lucky to be alive to see this Christmas," he said.

Osu urged Christians to use the period to appreciate God for sparing their lives and being counted among the livings.

"It should equally be an opportunity for us to mend our ways with God so that we will not be found wanting," he added. (NAN)