By REBECCA MUSHOTA and CHIDA SAKALA –

. LUNGU

PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has called on Zambians to stay home with families and extend help to those in need during this Christmas.
The President has also released 502 convicted prisoners to commemorate the day.
Mr Lungu, in his Christmas message, called on the people of Zambia to find time to spend with their families at home, thanking God for the gift of being alive and, if they could, extend their help to the
needy in society.
“On this occasion, I want to urge all citizens to join me in reflecting on the meaning of life as individuals and collectively as a nation in the collective spirit of promoting our cherished ‘One Zambia
One Nation’ motto, which knows no tribal barriers, no religious divide and indeed no other divisive tendencies,” the President said.
This is according to a statement issued by Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations Amos Chanda.
Mr Lungu said Christmas was a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and that it was important to do so responsibly, with care and respect for one another as that was how it should be for a Christian
Nation that professed the Christian faith.
The Head of State said 2015 had its challenges and opportunities that should be expanded so that the country could emerge more united.
“Nothing beats the gift of life which we are all enjoying. Challenges in our lives abound, but let us remember the scripture John 3 Vs 16 which states: ‘For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life’,” Mr Lungu said.
He wished the Zambian people a merry Christmas, God’s blessings, protection, love and peace during this festive period.
The President also appealed to motorists to be extra cautious on the roads to avoid accidents.
He also signed an order of release for 502 convicted prisoners in exercise of his prerogative of mercy.
The pardoned inmates, who include two prisoners aged 75 and 83, were serving various jail sentences at different prisons across the country.
“I have decided to extend a hand of mercy and compassion to our dear friends on different jail sentences in various prisons countrywide in order to avail them an opportunity to reform and return to normalsociety.
“It is my sincere hope that the recipients of this pardon will do their very best to contribute to society positively as a way of paying back for the mercy that society has shown to them,” Mr Lungu said.
Meanwhile, first Republican President Kenneth Kaunda has urged Zambians to continue with the spirit of giving and sharing as a way to celebrate Christmas.
Dr Kaunda was speaking at the University Teaching Hospital yesterday when he donated food worth K40,000 provided by a well-wisher to children admitted to the health institution.
“Tomorrow is Christmas. Zambia is one nation and people should work together to build the country by sharing with each other,” Dr Kaunda said.