Bishop Valentine Kalumba of the Diocese of Livingstone delivered a heartfelt homily during the Christmas vigil mass at St. Theresa Cathedral Parish on Tuesday night, calling for renewed faith and reflection on the significance of Christ's birth.
Addressing a congregation gathered in the spirit of celebration, Bishop Kalumba reminded the faithful of the transformative power of God’s love, which he described as a profound and personal gift to humanity.
“This sacred day reminds us how deeply God loves each one of us. So deep, in fact, that He sent His only Son into the world to bring light, hope, and salvation,” Bishop Kalumba said.
The bishop drew parallels between the struggles faced by the people of ancient Israel and those experienced by individuals today. Quoting the prophet Isaiah, he said, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. On those dwelling in deep darkness, a light has shone.” He emphasized that the birth of Jesus fulfills this promise, bringing renewed hope to a world often filled with uncertainty and conflict.
**A Personal Savior for All**
The homily underscored the inclusivity of God’s love. Reflecting on the Gospel of Luke, Bishop Kalumba highlighted the shepherds, ordinary workers who were among the first to witness the birth of Christ. “This reminds us that God’s love reaches every heart, regardless of status or circumstance,” he noted.
“The angels announced, ‘Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you.’ That word, ‘you,’ is significant,” the bishop said. “It means each of us is included in this divine gift. Christ is a personal Savior, born for you and for me.”
**Christ as the Bread of Life**
Bishop Kalumba also reflected on the symbolic significance of Christ’s humble birth in a manger, a feeding trough for animals. He suggested that this was no coincidence, but a divine hint at Christ’s role as spiritual nourishment for humanity.
“This child laid in a manger is our food for the journey. Jesus himself later tells us, ‘I am the bread of life.’ He satisfies our deepest hungers — for unconditional love, mercy, and light in the darkness,” he said.
The bishop urged congregants to open their hearts, as the shepherds did, and embrace this gift with humility and gratitude. He also encouraged them to emulate Christ’s love by reaching out to those in need and being instruments of hope and grace in their communities.
**Renewed Commitment to Faith**
As the vigil mass concluded, Bishop Kalumba called on the faithful to use this Christmas season as an opportunity to renew their commitment to living out God’s grace in their daily lives.
“This is a time to reflect on the extraordinary gift we have received and to carry it in our hearts. Let us rejoice and remember that Christ’s gift of salvation is not just for one night, but for all time,” he concluded.
The mass was marked by hymns and prayers, as worshippers embraced the spirit of Christmas with renewed devotion and gratitude for the message of hope and salvation brought by Christ’s birth.
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