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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 South Sudan, and says, “Let us give one another light and life not darkness, not death but peace and reconciliation.”

“We call for peace and love to reign among God's people,” the South Sudanese Cardinal says in his December 20 Christmas message issued under the theme, "Let us give one another light and life."

“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.

Cardinal Ameyu 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.”

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The Local Ordinary of Juba who doubles as President of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SSS-CBC) emphasizes the importance of the mystery of the Incarnation.

Referring to the Letter to the Hebrews, he says, “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 continues, “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.”

The Catholic Church leader says that Christ, as the central figure of the Christmas celebration, “embodies grace and truth, illuminating our lives and guiding us in love.”

He urges the people of God to embrace the relationship Christ offers and to reflect His light in their communities.

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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 says, referring to the “Tumaini Peace Initiative”, the high-level mediation forum that seeks to address the civil war in South Sudan, incorporating groups that are not party to the 2018 the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

“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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