The newly consecrated Anglican Bishop of Kigali Diocese, Louis Muvunyi, has said that Christmas Day is a time that comes to remind Christians that God loves them.

The bishop said this yesterday in his Christmas message to Christians and added that the day is also an indication that God is with us.

"It is not just a day for celebrating, but a day to feel encouraged, and every time we celebrate, our hope is renewed,” said Muvunyi, adding that Christmas is also a reminder that Jesus is coming back.

"We should not enjoy and forget that he (Jesus) is coming back. This should be a time to check ourselves and renew our relationship with God, bearing in mind that he is coming back soon to take us.”

The clergyman said that the New Year 2011 will be a year for preaching peace and reconciliation to the people of Rwanda, adding that 2010 was a fruitful year which saw many people converting to Christ.

"We want to see 2011 also bringing in many people to Christ, but not forgetting the focus on the wellbeing of Rwandans and continuing to work hand-in-hand with Rwandans to develop our nation,” he said.
He reiterated his church’s commitment to make Rwanda shine among other nations.

"Our country still has many challenges like poverty and many others that were brought about by the bad history our country went through, but we are committed to working together in overcoming them in 2011,” he vowed.

Sherry Komant, a pastor at the Kigali based Christian Assembly Church (CLA), also had a message for Christmas.

"I pray that the ‘fear not’ as a Christmas story, would be true to every body,” she said quoting the Angel’s message in the bible to the shepherds on the night Jesus was born.
Komant said that they had much hope for the season and that no matter what, there is a strong belief that the future holds better things for their flock.

When The New Times contacted the leader of Muslim community in Rwanda, Mufti Sheikh Saleh Habimana, he had this to say.

"First of all, we the Muslims don’t believe in the day that will be celebrated tomorrow (today). But as a way of respecting what others believe, we would like to wish our Christian brothers and sisters good times during their celebrations,” said the Mufti.

He however urged them to celebrate the day by sharing love with their needy neighbours and be cautious with their lives during this period of festivities.

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