Believers have been called to remember the true meaning of Christmas and not be distracted by the festive season's merriments. Pastor Frank Karemera of New Life Bible Church in Gatenga, Kigali, on Christmas Day, December 25, shared a message urging Christians to focus on the central theme of Christmas: the birth of Jesus Christ and His mission of redemption. Rwandans from different walks of life on Wednesday celebrated Christmas Day, a day that signifies the birth of Jesus Christ and the most popular religious festival, mostly by attending church services. ALSO READ: How Christmas celebrations unfolded in Kigali The birth of Jesus Christ is the most powerful sign and message of hope in a world darkened by the shadows of fear and uncertainty, religious leaders have said. “My prayer is that every believer should not miss out on the reason for the season, which is Jesus himself accepting to come to earth to redeem us. May no believer overlook this profound truth,” Karemera told The New Times on Christmas Day, shortly before he started his morning service. ALSO READ: IN PICTURES: How Christmas celebrations unfolded in Kigali The pastor expressed concern that the focus on celebrations, from fashion to social outings, might overshadow the spiritual significance of the season. “When you walk around the city, you hear people talking about their Christmas plans—many bookings, outings, meeting friends, and changing clothes. While these are fine, they should not take precedence over the true meaning of Christmas,” he said. ALSO READ: PHOTOS: Gospel musician Gentil Misigaro lights up Christmas service in Kigali “Although these are good things, the essence of Christmas is recognizing God, the Creator of heaven and earth, incarnating to associate with us. The ultimate goal is our redemption; it means nothing but incarnation—God turning into man. It’s a demonstration of immense humility, and the ultimate goal is our redemption,” he said. ALSO READ: PHOTOS: Passengers in Kigali scramble for upcountry-bound buses on Christmas Eve Incarnation is a central doctrine of the Christian faith which affirms that God took human form in the body of Christ. In other words, God was 'in-carnated' in human flesh. The doctrine is based on the fundamental paradox that because God was incarnated in Christ, Christ was both fully human and fully God at the same time. The pastor urged believers to reflect on their faith and ensure their actions align with their beliefs. “My fear is whether people truly understand and live out the reason for this season. That fear becomes my message: let no one miss the reason for the season, which is Jesus Christ himself,” Karemera said. Karemera highlighted the importance of the incarnation, saying, “God becoming flesh is essential because it shows His willingness to associate with us. This act made it possible for Him to redeem mankind. There is no other way a supreme being could redeem man without coming down to our level.”
