THE Christmas season has always carried with it a message of hope, renewal and reconciliation. At its heart is the birth of Jesus Christ, whose coming into the world reminds humanity of love, humility and peace. It is a time when families gather, communities celebrate, and the nation pauses to reflect on values that transcend politics, religion, and social divides.
This year, President Hakainde Hichilema and Archbishop of Ndola Benjamin Phiri have both reminded citizens that Christmas is not merely about festivity, but about recommitting ourselves to peace, unity and reconciliation. Their call is timely, and it deserves to be embraced wholeheartedly, especially in a season that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
Zambia, like many nations, faces challenges that test the bonds of unity. Economic pressures, political disagreements and social divisions can easily erode the spirit of togetherness that has long defined our people. Yet Christmas offers us a chance to reset, to look beyond our differences, and to remember that we are bound together by a shared destiny under God.
President Hichilema’s emphasis on peace and Archbishop Phiri’s reminder of reconciliation echo the teachings of Jesus Christ, who called on humanity to love one another, forgive offences, and seek harmony even in difficult times.
These are not abstract ideals; they are practical necessities for a country that seeks progress and prosperity.
Peace is the foundation upon which development rests.
Without peace, no community can thrive, no family can flourish, and no nation can prosper. The Christmas story itself is a story of peace — angels proclaiming goodwill to all, shepherds gathering in harmony, and Jesus Christ being born to bring light, hope and salvation to a troubled world.
In our own context, peace means choosing dialogue over conflict, tolerance over division, and respect over hostility.
It means ensuring that our celebrations reflect the teachings of Christ, whose life was marked by selflessness, compassion, and restraint. Our festivities should not spill into violence, reckless behaviour, or actions that undermine the very values Christmas stands for.
Unity, too, is essential.
Zambia’s strength lies in its diversity; our many languages, cultures and traditions form a rich tapestry that should be celebrated, not feared. The Christmas season, inspired by the message of Jesus Christ, calls us to love our neighbours, share with those in need, and recognise our common humanity. Unity is not uniformity, but harmony in difference.
Archbishop Phiri’s call for reconciliation speaks directly to the teachings of Christ, who emphasised forgiveness, healing, and the restoration of broken relationships. Reconciliation begins in families, extends to communities, and ultimately strengthens the nation.
However, peace, unity and reconciliation cannot be achieved if Christmas is reduced to indulgence and excess.
Responsible celebration is key.
Too often, the season is marred by accidents on our roads, reckless drinking, and financial strain from unnecessary spending.
To celebrate responsibly is to remember that true joy comes not from extravagance, but from gratitude, generosity and moderation — values
consistently taught by Jesus Christ. Our celebrations should uplift and inspire, not harm ourselves or others.
President Hichilema’s reminder is therefore both moral and practical. A peaceful Christmas means fewer conflicts in homes and communities.
A united Christmas means stronger bonds among citizens.
A reconciled Christmas means healing divisions that hold us back. And a responsible Christmas means safeguarding lives, resources and dignity.
As citizens, we must take this call seriously. Let us use the season to forgive old grudges, extend kindness to those in need, and recommit ourselves to building a Zambia where peace is cherished, unity is protected, and reconciliation is pursued — in the true spirit of Jesus Christ.
Let us celebrate with joy, but also with wisdom, ensuring that our festivities reflect the true meaning of Christmas.
In the end, Christmas is not only about remembering the birth of Jesus Christ; it is about living out the values He came to teach — love, humility, compassion and peace. If we heed the words of President Hichilema and Archbishop Phiri, and align them with the teachings of Christ, this season can be more than a holiday.
It can be a turning point, a moment when Zambia renews its commitment to peace, unity, reconciliation, and responsible celebration.
That is the true gift we can give to ourselves and to future generations.
Xmas: call to peace, unity, responsible celebration
THE Christmas season has always carried with it a message of hope, renewal and reconciliation. At its heart is the birth of Jesus Christ, whose coming into the world reminds humanity of love, humility and peace. It is a time when families gather, communities celebrate, and the nation pauses to reflect on values that transcend politics, religion, and social divides.
This year, President Hakainde Hichilema and Archbishop of Ndola Benjamin Phiri have both reminded citizens that Christmas is not merely about festivity, but about recommitting ourselves to peace, unity and reconciliation. Their call is timely, and it deserves to be embraced wholeheartedly, especially in a season that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
Zambia, like many nations, faces challenges that test the bonds of unity. Economic pressures, political disagreements and social divisions can easily erode the spirit of togetherness that has long defined our people. Yet Christmas offers us a chance to reset, to look beyond our differences, and to remember that we are bound together by a shared destiny under God.
President Hichilema’s emphasis on peace and Archbishop Phiri’s reminder of reconciliation echo the teachings of Jesus Christ, who called on humanity to love one another, forgive offences, and seek harmony even in difficult times.
These are not abstract ideals; they are practical necessities for a country that seeks progress and prosperity.
Peace is the foundation upon which development rests.
Without peace, no community can thrive, no family can flourish, and no nation can prosper. The Christmas story itself is a story of peace — angels proclaiming goodwill to all, shepherds gathering in harmony, and Jesus Christ being born to bring light, hope and salvation to a troubled world.
In our own context, peace means choosing dialogue over conflict, tolerance over division, and respect over hostility.
It means ensuring that our celebrations reflect the teachings of Christ, whose life was marked by selflessness, compassion, and restraint. Our festivities should not spill into violence, reckless behaviour, or actions that undermine the very values Christmas stands for.
Unity, too, is essential.
Zambia’s strength lies in its diversity; our many languages, cultures and traditions form a rich tapestry that should be celebrated, not feared. The Christmas season, inspired by the message of Jesus Christ, calls us to love our neighbours, share with those in need, and recognise our common humanity. Unity is not uniformity, but harmony in difference.
Archbishop Phiri’s call for reconciliation speaks directly to the teachings of Christ, who emphasised forgiveness, healing, and the restoration of broken relationships. Reconciliation begins in families, extends to communities, and ultimately strengthens the nation.
However, peace, unity and reconciliation cannot be achieved if Christmas is reduced to indulgence and excess.
Responsible celebration is key.
Too often, the season is marred by accidents on our roads, reckless drinking, and financial strain from unnecessary spending.
To celebrate responsibly is to remember that true joy comes not from extravagance, but from gratitude, generosity and moderation — values
consistently taught by Jesus Christ. Our celebrations should uplift and inspire, not harm ourselves or others.
President Hichilema’s reminder is therefore both moral and practical. A peaceful Christmas means fewer conflicts in homes and communities.
A united Christmas means stronger bonds among citizens.
A reconciled Christmas means healing divisions that hold us back. And a responsible Christmas means safeguarding lives, resources and dignity.
As citizens, we must take this call seriously. Let us use the season to forgive old grudges, extend kindness to those in need, and recommit ourselves to building a Zambia where peace is cherished, unity is protected, and reconciliation is pursued — in the true spirit of Jesus Christ.
Let us celebrate with joy, but also with wisdom, ensuring that our festivities reflect the true meaning of Christmas.
In the end, Christmas is not only about remembering the birth of Jesus Christ; it is about living out the values He came to teach — love, humility, compassion and peace. If we heed the words of President Hichilema and Archbishop Phiri, and align them with the teachings of Christ, this season can be more than a holiday.
It can be a turning point, a moment when Zambia renews its commitment to peace, unity, reconciliation, and responsible celebration.
That is the true gift we can give to ourselves and to future generations.