Faith leaders from different denominations have shared their reflections on the festive season, looking back at the year that is coming to an end and explaining what Christmas means to them this year. Speaking to The New Times, Bishop Louis Kabayiza of the Anglican Diocese of Shyogwe said the festive season should encourage believers to draw closer to God and live responsibly. ALSO READ: Chorale de Kigali ushers in Christmas with soulful hymns “This is a time for people to grow closer to the Lord and avoid sin, so that society can live together in harmony,” he said. He said the church is celebrating continued efforts to preach messages that help believers grow morally and spiritually while guarding against misleading teachings. “We encourage people not only to pray, but also to work hard and support one another in their daily lives,” Kabayiza said. ALSO READ: Festive fun awaits children in Kigali He highlighted savings groups formed within church communities, where members pray together while also saving money to improve their livelihoods. “There are groups that come together for prayer, but they also save money collectively to support one another,” he added, saying that even in cases where some churches were closed, the mission of preaching continued. “Church buildings may close, but the work of preaching does not stop. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit,” he said. ALSO READ: Let’s remember to celebrate together this festive season He cited an example of a parish that was thought to be poor but surprised many by saving Rwf25 million. “There were about 20 people in that parish who saved this money, shared it among themselves, and even supported a vulnerable family by building them a house,” he said. Senior Pastor Isaie Ndayizeye of the Association of Pentecostal Churches in Rwanda (ADEPR) said the festive season is a time for reflection and planning. “This period gives us an opportunity to reflect on ourselves, review whether we achieved the goals we set, and prepare for the year ahead,” he said, adding that ending the year in peace is something worth celebrating, pointing to several achievements within the church. “We have recorded positive results, including helping some people overcome drug addiction,” Ndayizeye said. He also highlighted progress in church compliance in terms of capacity building of their clerics, noting that around 1,700 pastors are ending the year having completed theological studies. “They are completing the year equipped with the knowledge and skills required to preach responsibly,” he said. Ndayizeye added that the church has also been involved in reconciliation efforts, particularly supporting people released from prison after serving sentences related to the Genocide against the Tutsi to reconcile with survivors. Meanwhile, Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, Archbishop of Kigali, said Christmas celebrations this year are special as the Catholic Church in Rwanda marks 125 years since Christianity was first introduced in the country. Speaking during Christmas celebrations dedicated for children on December 23, Kambanda said Christmas is centred on the birth of Jesus Christ, whom he described as a close friend of children. “When a child is born, the whole family rejoices. Christmas celebrates the birth of Baby Jesus, who came for all of us,” he said. He urged children to love Jesus, referring to biblical teachings that highlight the special place of children. “Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to me.’ We are therefore called to love one another as God loves us,” Kambanda said. He explained that loving others means wishing them well, praying for them, and desiring good health and a fulfilling life for them. The cardinal also noted that children sometimes play a key role in bringing parents back to the church. “There are cases where parents return to the church because of their children, especially when children ask to receive sacraments. Their commitment often inspires their parents to come back,” he said. Pastor Onesphore Yadusoneye, Director of the Communication Department at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Rwanda, called on Christians to celebrate while remembering the vulnerable. “As you celebrate Christmas, do not forget those in need. Jesus shared with others, so make sure someone else smiles because of you,” he said. He cautioned against excessive spending during the festive season, noting that life continues afterwards. “People should avoid misusing money, because schools will reopen soon and families will still have responsibilities to meet,” he said. Yadusoneye also reflected on church closures experienced during the year and how believers adapted to the situation. Looking ahead, he said the church plans to establish a television station next year, alongside other projects. “We are also planning to expand our charity activities and encourage church members to strengthen their support for vulnerable people,” he said.
