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Today, Rwandan Christians join their counterparts around the world to celebrate Christmas. The day marks the remembrance of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Saviour.

This year’s celebration, though, is not an ordinary one.

The world is experiencing one of the most challenging years in human history due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic that has wrecked health systems, economies and social life among others.

Despite this, in their Christmas messages, local clerics have urged Rwandans to celebrate with faith that God is still on their side and that He will be their light, no matter how dark the situation appears.

"When Jesus was born, the angels sang: ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased’,” said Reverend Canon Antoine Rutayisire, the Pastor of Remera Anglican Church, invoking a verse in the Bible – Luke 2:14.

At that time, Rutayisire said, God could not proclaim peace if the people had not sought it and failed to find it.

"Now, even for us today, people are having fear of the coronavirus, hopelessness and doubts. So, this is the time to tell people to stay believing because Jesus the light of the world was born,” he told The New Times.

"That is why the angel (Gabriel) told Joseph to name the child ‘Emmanuel’ meaning God is with us. So, even in these hard situations of today, God is with us. That is the message of Christmas.”

Pastor Charles Mugisha of New Life Bible Church in Kigali also echoed similar sentiments.

"This is the good news: the time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; for those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. Rejoice our king was born unto us,” he said.

Bishop Fidèle Masengo of Foursquare Gospel Church – Kigali said that in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic season, the Lord comes to us again with a message of consolation and compassion.

"Christmas is the time when believers celebrate the arrival of Jesus who came to save the world, who showed love and compassion to humanity. It is also time for us to imitate his pure deeds by loving our neighbours, giving hope to the hopeless and feeding the poor,” he said.

We shall also be vigilant to prevent the spread of the pandemic by abiding with health instructions, he added. "May the peace of Jesus shine in your hearts and lives, now and always.”

Speaking during a pre-Christmas mass recently, Father Jean-Bosco Ntagungira, the top priest at Regina Pacis Parish in Kigali, challenged Christians not to forget the true purpose of Christmas even in the midst of hard times brought about by the pandemic.

Preaching about John the Baptist’s "Prepare the way of the Lord” message when he was announcing the coming of Jesus (Mark 1:2-3), Ntagungira reminded the Catholics that what God wants is their hearts, not parties and sumptuous festive shopping.

"We should not forget the basis of the word that John the Baptist preached: prepare your hearts, it is what God wants,” he said.

Meanwhile, churches were cleared to host Christmas services and Christians will have the opportunity to gather for prayers, though in social distancing measures.