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“Let's give one another light, life, not darkness”: Cardinal in South Sudan in Christmas Message

Stephen Cardinal Ameyu of South Sudan’s Catholic Archdiocese of Juba. Credit: Radio Maria South Sudan
Silas Isenjia

By Silas Isenjia

Juba, 24 December, 2024 / 10:25 pm (ACI Africa).

Stephen Cardinal Ameyu of South Sudan’s Catholic Archdiocese of Juba has called upon the people of God to be promoters of good news that contributes to preservation of life and hope.

In his Christmas 2024 message, Cardinal Ameyu reflects on some of the incidences of insecurity in the country, including the Thursday, December 19 incident at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Kwirjik, where two men were killed, and the Parish Priest detained, and underlines the need for peace during the Christmas season.

“Let us give one another light and life not darkness, not death but peace and reconciliation,” the Cardinal says in his Friday, December 20 Christmas message, adding, “We call for peace and love to reign among God's people.”

In his message themed, "Let us give one another light and life," the Cardinal highlights the profound truths of Christmas, urging the people of God to reflect on the arrival of Christ as a beacon of hope and joy.

“As we gather to celebrate this joyous season, let us reflect on the profound truths encapsulated in Christmas. At Christmas, a message of peace and salvation resonates. It reminds us that our God reigns and that we are called to be bearers of this good news to the world,” he says.

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He adds, “The arrival of Christmas marks the fulfillment of this promise, as we prepare our hearts to receive the gift of Christ, the ultimate messenger of hope and joy.”

In his message, the Local Ordinary of Juba who doubles as President of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SSS-CBC) highlights the role of Jesus as the ultimate messenger of hope, noting that Christ, the Word made flesh, came to dwell among humanity, bringing light and life.

“Let us be reminded that in these last days, God has spoken to us through His Son. Jesus is the radiant glory of God, the exact representation of His being, and through Him, we find our place in the divine narrative,” he says.

The Catholic Church leader says further, “In this Christmas, let us acknowledge Jesus as the Word made flesh, who came to dwell among us, bringing light and life to all who believe.”

Christ, according to the Cardinal, is the central figure of the Christmas celebration. “He embodies grace and truth, illuminating our lives and guiding us in love,” he says.

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 As people celebrate His birth, the Cardinal urges them to embrace the relationship Christ offers and to reflect His light in their communities.

In the one-page statement, Cardinal Ameyu goes on to call for unity and compassion, encouraging the people of God to share kindness and foster a spirit of togetherness. "Let this Christmas season be a time to embrace the spirit of peace, hope, and love that Tumaini embodies," he said, referring to the Tumaini Peace Initiative, which promotes unity and reconciliation in the region.

“Wishing you a blessed Christmas filled with joy, peace, and a renewed commitment to building a better future for all,” says Cardinal Ameyu.

Silas Isenjia

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.

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