The tranquility that characterised yesterdays Christmas celebrations, is something to thank God for. Indeed, we went into the Christmas break with caution that we come out alive.

We aimed to avoid any major catastrophes especially man-made ones in the form of traffic accidents. Rwanda’s national police made huge investments in this endeavor of educating the public on road safety, in their Road Safety Week campaign.
Perhaps we can with confidence say well done to them.
At the time of going to press, we had not received news of any kind of Christmas related social mishaps.

Instead the mood has been characterized by much tranquility, with many going into reflection and prayer. This is how it should be. We do no have anything against people engaging into all kinds of festivities, but we have strong issues when it comes to responsible behavior that keeps us all alive.

In this regard, President Paul Kagame and his family joined thousands of worshippers in a Christmas mass at the Rwamagana Catholic Parish. The President cautioned Rwandans to concern themselves with advancing both their situation and that of the country.

Meanwhile, Pope Benedict in his Christmas message appealed for an end to all forms of child abuse. He spoke against the abuse of minors that ranges from children who survive on the streets to child soldiers.

"Let us think of those children who are victims of the industry of pornography and every other appalling form of abuse, and thus are traumatised to the depths of their soul.”

Issues brought forward by both leaders for us to reflect on. If there was one opportunity for us to reach deep into our souls and reflect on what the birth of Christ our savior means, this was it.

The festivities for some continue into the New Year, we again caution them to understand that two weeks is a long time, for one to miss the New Year. Let us all arrive in 2009 alive. 

Ends