President Lazarus Chakwera, two of his predecessors and other political leaders have extended messages of goodwill to Malawians as they join the Christian community in celebrating Christmas Day, the birth of Jesus Christ.
In his message contained in a statement from State House, the President urged people to reflect on whether Jesus is the ruler of their lives or not.
Chakwera, a pastor who quit the pulpit in 2013 to join frontline politics, said surrendering life to Jesus is the best thing that can happen to a person.
He said: “I can personally testify that even though I am the President, the Head of State, and the Head of Government for the Republic of Malawi, nothing I do or have in this world will ever compare in value to the precious gift that Jesus gave me on that day at Chancellor College [University of Malawi] when I surrendered my life to him and asked him to be the ruler of my life. I pray that you too will not miss out on this precious gift this Christmas.”
In his message in an interview yesterday, former president Bakili Muluzi advised people in the country to celebrate responsibly.
“It is during this time that accidents happen. As they say, do not drink and drive,” he said.
Muluzi, a Muslim, further said he will spend the day with his sister, grandchildren and nephews who are visiting him at his BCA Hill residence in Blantyre.
Meanwhile, immediate past president Peter Mutharika and former first lady Gertrude Mutharika planned to spend part of the day cheering patients at Mangochi District Hospital.
However, last evening he said the Mangochi district commissioner denied them to visit the hospital because the President was also visiting the facility today.
On the other hand, former president Joyce Banda is celebrating the holidaythe country.
Her executive assistant Arnold Mnelemba yesterday said she was in South Africa with her family.
In a separate interview, United Democratic Front (UDF) leader Atupele Muluzi, who is son to Bakili Muluzi, also extended his warmest wishes to all Malawians for a peaceful and joyful Christmas.
He said: “Despite our many challenges, I hope this season allows you to spend time with your loved ones, finding comfort and strength in togetherness.”
On his part, People’s Development Party president Kondwani Nankhumwa said people should celebrate responsibly considering the economic hard times the nation is passing through while Mbakuwaku Movement for Development leader Peter Kuwani called on Malawians to use Christmas as an opportunity to reflect on where they are coming from, where they are today and where they are heading.
Meanwhile, Evangelical Association of Ma lawi secretary general the Reverend Francis Mkandawire has asked Malawians to ensure that they maintain peace at all costs especially as the country is approaching the September 16 2025 General Elections.
He said: “Let us also pray that the Lord will give us sufficient rains to end the prolonged dry spell that has wilted our crops.”
Billions of people in nearly every country across the world celebrate Christmas on December 25.
