Minister Of Religion Says Merry Christmas, Invites Spreading Love And Self-reflection

Nasaruddin Umar when meeting with Catholic Leader Pope Francis (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Minister of Religion (Menag) Nasaruddin Umar conveyed Merry Christmas 2024 to Christians throughout Indonesia. He also invited the public to spread love and strengthen human values in life.

"Let's continue to spread love and strengthen humanitarian buildings," said the Minister of Religion in a statement quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, December 24.

This year's Christmas carries the theme "Let's Go Now To Bethlehem", which brings a message about loyalty and willingness to follow God's call. The Minister of Religion assessed that the theme is in line with the efforts of the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) in encouraging people to practice their religious teachings more deeply.

"The more closely the people are attached to their religious teachings, the more peaceful and harmonious the world will be. On the other hand, the further people are from their religious teachings, the more risks of damage that can occur, both in humans and nature," he said.

The Minister of Religion invited Christians to make Christmas celebrations a momentum to ground religious teachings in the spirit of human love.

"Love brings peace and harmony which are the main prerequisites for development. This is a big contribution of religious people to Indonesia's progress," added Nasaruddin Umar.

In addition, ahead of the turn of the year 2025, the Minister of Religion invited all Indonesians to reflect, contemplate, and evaluate the journey of life over the past year.

"From this contemplation and evaluation, we hope that new enthusiasm will grow and optimism to welcome the coming year," he said.

The Minister of Religion also advised that each individual should continue to grow into a better person.

"We should be better off those who are better today than yesterday and continue to make improvements to the future," concluded Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar.