Father Emmanuel Bungei of St. Joseph Kapyemit Catholic Church has called on Christians to spread peace to bring families together this Christmas.
Fr. Bungei said Christmas is meant to bring families together irrespective of the social class but regretted that the tradition is slowly being replaced by materialism and individualism.
“When we were growing up, we used to identify a sheep/goat which we would take care of the whole year to be specifically shared among family members over Christmas,” he said.
He said this was changing with each family, even those living within the same compound, choosing to spend the holidays on their own.
Speaking when he delivered the Sunday homily, the priest appealed to families to be there for one another, saying these days’ people don’t know what is happening among family members, adding even parents sometimes assume their children are okay even when they are going through hardship.
“Families no longer spend time together as parents are busy looking for money, and as long as they are providing, they assume that all is well in the family,” he said.
The priest also cautioned Christians against over indulgence in social functions where they display opulence citing initiation and graduation ceremonies, noting this does not augur well for the society in future.
He cited initiation rites where young initiates still in school are accorded grandiose ceremonies which are generally an expression of opulence.
“How will such a child, who is still continuing with school, view his teacher, who does not have the wealth he is being exposed to?” he posed.
Fr. Bungei said with the competition culture gaining ground in the society, other children will start giving conditions to their parents, also demanding to be given the same treatment even where the parents cannot afford it.
He said while it is in order to celebrate the various stages in life, there is a need to do it in moderation and teach children values in life which will guide them in their future.
By Alice Wanjiru
