A toast to the festivities
TOMORROW, Zimbabwe joins the rest of the world in celebrating Christmas Day, a Christian holiday observed annually on December 25 to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. The Sunday Mail’s TANYARADZWA RUSIKE spoke to some prominent personalities who shared their thoughts and plans for the day. United Family International Church (UFIC) spokesperson Pastor Prime Kufa
Christmas is a time when we remember the coming of God’s gift to mankind — Jesus Christ.
It is not only a time to celebrate the love of God to us, but also a time to show love to others.
It is not a time for overindulgence in the wrong things, but a time to share the good and thank God for such a precious gift.
Social commentator Dr Rebecca Chisamba
For me, Christmas is family time. However, Zimbabweans have given the day new meaning, which is drinking and driving recklessly, causing road accidents.
Christmas is a time to celebrate together as a family, giving each other presents as a sign of how God gave us his only Son.
Let us not forget that we are remembering the birth of the Messiah, a big gift that came to us.
This time, I am not travelling out of the country, but I will have quality time with my family, just catching up and chilling.
I encourage people to pray for each other and exchange love through giving to the less-privileged.
Ambassador of Japan to Zimbabwe Mr Shinichi Yamanaka
On behalf of the government and people of Japan, the Embassy of Japan in Zimbabwe would like to wish all Zimbabweans a merry Christmas as you reconnect with your loved ones, and a happy and safe new year.
We would also like to express our appreciation for the warm friendship between Zimbabwe and Japan, and hope it grows even stronger in the new year.
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Zhou Ding
On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe and in my own name, I would like to extend my best wishes to all Zimbabwean friends as Christmas and the new year are approaching.
Looking back on 2023, with the concerted efforts of China and Zimbabwe, our bilateral cooperation in various areas has achieved historic fruitful outcomes.
As a good friend, good partner and good brother, China will continue to give full support for the economic and social progress of Zimbabwe.
I wish you all a merry Christmas and many blessings in the new year.
Pan-African coordinator, International Movement of Catholic Students, Mr Pardingtone Nhundu
As we reflect upon this festive season, our thoughts turn to the personal journeys we have embarked on to uncover and rediscover our individual missions.
Many of us have made significant strides in this quest, while others continue to navigate their paths with determination and hope.
It is my sincere belief that you, too, will find your mission in the upcoming year.
Let us look forward to 2024 with the aspiration of journeying together, supporting and inspiring one another as we each pursue our unique purposes.
Urban Development Corporation chief executive officer Mr Joey Shumbamhini
Christmas is a time for giving.
Let us remember the needy during the festive season and spend quality time with our families. Let us show love and appreciation to our parents, not forgetting the elderly. Let 2024 be your year of success. If you failed in 2023, do not despair, but let that failure be your springboard. If you made it in 2023, do not rest on your laurels.