Believers have been called to remember the true meaning of Christmas and not be distracted by the festive season's merriments as they emphasized the joy and significance of celebrating Jesus’ birth. ALSO READ: Essence of Christmas is recognizing God, says pastor Pastor Frank Karemera of New Life Bible Church in Gatenga, Kigali, on Christmas Day, December 25, especially urged Christians to focus on the central theme of Christmas: the birth of Jesus Christ and His mission of redemption. ALSO READ: Gospel musician Gentil Misigaro lights up Christmas service in Kigali “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. He expressed concern that the focus on celebrations, from fashion to social outings, might overshadow the spiritual significance of the season. ALSO READ: How Christmas celebrations unfolded in Kigali “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. “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.” ALSO READ: A labour of love: building resilient Rwandan families Incarnation is a central doctrine of the Christian faith which affirms that God took human form in the body of Christ. 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. Apostle Mignonne Kabera of Women Foundation Ministries in Nyarugenge District, Kigali, urged believers to recognize the deeper essence of the celebration. “Jesus is no longer a baby. He is not the Jesus we see in movies. He is the son of God given to us,” she said, stressing that Christmas should transcend material celebrations. “It’s beyond a day, beyond the cakes, and beyond the meals. Many [people] are celebrating today, but they have left Jesus out of the celebrations. They are honouring someone they do not truly believe in. Hotels are full, meals are being bought, and churches are crowded, but even for those who do not believe, he is sustaining them. Jesus is the King of all times, the star who never fades.” Spend time with family, share love with neighbours, spread kindness Divine Kanyange, a member of the Evangelical Restoration Masoro Church, in Kigali, emphasized the spiritual meaning of Christmas as a time to reflect on the miracle of Jesus’ birth. “Christmas is the best time to remember why Jesus was born—to save our lives. It’s a day when many believers come to church to celebrate. The Bible says, ‘Unto you a Savior is born.’ It’s a reminder that Christ’s birth is a miracle that brought God to earth to save humanity,” Kanyange said. Richard Tekasikama, another member of the church, underscored the joy and significance of celebrating Jesus’ birth. He said: “Christmas is essential for us Christians. It’s the celebration of Jesus’ birth. “My message to the world is simple: be happy, celebrate, and remember the birth of Jesus. Spend time with family, share love and care with your neighbours, and spread kindness. God will bless you, and you’ll experience love and happiness in your heart.” Joseph Nissreen Bol Chan, from South Sudan who celebrated Christmas at Regina Pacis Church in Remera, Kigali, expressed her joy in marking the holiday with her family in Rwanda. “Christmas means a lot to me. It symbolizes new life and happiness. To live from the start of the year to its end is a blessing, and I thank God for keeping me alive and giving me joy,” she said. “This is my first Christmas with my kids as a family, and I have this chance to celebrate with nice people and enjoy church gatherings. Christianity teaches love and friendship. Christmas gives me the opportunity to reconnect with family, even those far away.” Durin the morning service, Pastor Tom Gakumba of Christ Kingdom Embassy Church in Kimironko, Kigali, emphasized the profound spiritual significance of Christmas during his sermon. “Glory be to God that there was a day when Jesus was born—not just as the son of God but as the ultimate sacrifice that replaced all others. The greatest sacrifice of all. Celebrate that the Lamb of God was born,” he said. He reflected on the symbolism of Jesus being born in a manger, explaining its deeper meaning. “Being born in a manger was not an accident or a sign of poverty. It was a deliberate act to present himself as food for us. Whoever eats of him will never hunger again, for he cleanses our sins. Those who receive him and encounter him will live forever. His body, placed in the manger, was offered for us to partake in eternal life,” he said.
