The festive season is here, let us celebrate with cheer and caution

There will be a frenzy of activity this week as millions of Kenyans take time off their busy schedules to celebrate Christmas with loved ones. It will also be a time to reflect. A time to look back, and a time to ponder the future as 2019 ends and a New Year full of expectations begins.

For Christians, celebrating the birth of Christ comes with spiritual reconnaissance, one that ushers in unity, forgiveness, mutual support and a sense of belonging to the family, country and community of nations. On Wednesday, millions will spread cheer and rejoice in the reason for the season, just like celebrations that dominated when the prophecy of Virgin Mary conceiving and giving birth to Christ (Isaiah 7) came to pass.

At the Sunday Standard, we wish everyone luck as they commemorate the birth of the Messiah. And while at it, we hope the period will allow us to focus on unity of purpose to deliver a better republic.

There’s no denying that Kenyans have become a restive lot owing to graft, joblessness, negative ethnicity, insecurity, political tensions and high cost of living blamed on debts that are gulping taxes.

Many promises by the Jubilee administration are not being kept and Kenyans’ raw anger is visible even on social media platforms. The State should temper these fears and challenges with better mechanisms and realistic plans of growth in 2020. Only then will Kenyans achieve meaning and richness in their nationhood. There can never be a better opportunity to leverage on our strengths to address our flaws.

We urge caution. Millions will indulge in merry-making while oblivious of lurking dangers. Yes, heeding basic precautions could save lives and property. Let’s be careful on the roads to avoid deaths. This is the time to exercise restraint knowing that criminals, including terrorists, could take advantage of the season to maim and kill.

On the same note, we should celebrate the season fully aware of financial obligations that come with January. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2020 full of cheer and promise.