The Bishop of Kabale Diocese, Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, has delivered a strong message of peace, love, and unity, urging Christians to rise above political divisions and live as true instruments of reconciliation.
In his homily, the Bishop reflected on the birth of Jesus Christ as a supreme expression of God’s love and generosity toward humanity and cautioned against the misuse of authority and application of violence driven by political differences.
Quoting the Gospel of St. John 1:14, Bishop Rubaramira said that Christ became man and dwelt among us, full of mercy and truth, without any political party but dedicating His life to promotion of peace, love and unity.
I have always seen on TV some people misusing their authority, beating others just because of politics. Jesus had no political party. He only focused on bringing peace, love, and unity. A neighbor should never become an enemy because of a different opinion – Bishop Callist Rubaramira.
He emphasized that differences in political views or ideologies should never destroy relationships among families, friends, or neighbors, thereby urging the faithful to reject hatred and exclusion and humbly promote reconciliation and always have the courage to say sorry when in wrong.
The Bishop also challenged Christians to be courageous witnesses of the Gospel, assuring them of God’s protection and guidance. He described Jesus Christ as the ultimate link between humanity and God, calling on believers to listen to His voice and resist distractions but renew their faith during this Christmas season.
He called on Christians to create personal time for Jesus in their daily lives and resist being misled by “earthly voices” that draw them away from God. “Jesus came to live in us, and whoever truly welcomes and follows Him receives the power to become a true child of God,” Bishop Rubaramira said.
Highlighting the significance of baptism, he noted that Christians are united as one family in Christ through the Holy Spirit and implored the faithful to let Christ’s light shine through their actions, especially by serving the Church and becoming agents of peace in their communities.
Looking ahead to the forthcoming general elections, Bishop Rubaramira appealed for humility, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence, encouraging Christians to become ambassadors of peace and to spread the Gospel of unity wherever they go.
He also called on believers to practice generosity, allowing Christ’s spirit of giving to flow through them, and reminded them that God grants spiritual gifts according to each person’s ability to use them responsibly for the good of all.
In her remarks, the Kabale District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Catherine Atwakiire Ndamira called on parents and guardians to take an active role in guiding their children during the Christmas holiday, emphasizing discipline, spiritual growth, and family responsibility.
She noted that with students and children home for the holidays, parents have a responsibility to closely guide them and protect them from negative influences such as bad peer groups, drug abuse, alcohol consumption, and immoral behavior, often done under the guise of celebrating Christmas.
Christmas should challenge us to live more like Christ and help us grow spiritually. Family members, use the season to nurture positive values and good character among young people – Hon Catherine Ndamira.
She encouraged parents, including those with maids, to ensure their children participate in home activities alongside them. She further implored parents to be vigilant about their children’s safety during the festive season.