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What is Noeli, and Does the Term Appear in the Bible?

The term “Noel” is derived from the Latin word “natalis”, which means “birth day.” Specifically, it refers to the birth day of the King of the world, Jesus Christ. In French, the term can either mean “good news” or be used to describe the Christmas season itself.

You’ve likely encountered the term “Noeli” in various contexts—whether as a person’s name or as part of the popular carol “The First Noel”. If you’re unfamiliar with the carol or would like to hear its melody, you can listen to it here.

In short, Noel signifies celebrating or announcing the good news of the birth of Jesus. Whenever you hear this term, it is a reminder of Jesus’ birth or the broader Christmas season, which is observed on December 25th.

Does the Word ‘Noel’ Appear in the Bible?

It’s important to note that the term “Noel” itself is not found in the Bible. The celebration of Jesus’ birth and its significance is mentioned in the Scriptures, but the term “Noel” or “Christmas” was developed much later, primarily in church traditions and liturgies. The word “Noel” is most commonly used in older Christian liturgical settings, especially in Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran denominations.

The Bible does not provide specific instructions on the celebration of Jesus’ birth or mandate the observance of Christmas on December 25th. The date itself was chosen centuries after Christ’s birth, likely to coincide with existing pagan festivals like Saturnalia, a Roman holiday celebrating the winter solstice. The early Christians used this time to honor Christ’s birth.

Is It a Requirement for Christians to Celebrate Christmas?

The Bible does not command Christians to celebrate Christmas or observe Noeli. However, many Christians around the world choose to celebrate it as a time to reflect on and honor the incarnation of Christ—the moment when God took on human form in Jesus to bring salvation to humanity.

The fact that Jesus’ actual birth date is unknown (and December 25th is not biblically confirmed as His birthdate) means that the celebration of Christmas is more of a tradition than a biblical command. For many, it is a joyful occasion for family gatherings, gift-giving, and sharing the message of Jesus’ love and salvation with others.

Despite the lack of direct biblical support for the December 25th observance, the focus on Jesus’ birth, His mission, and the good news of salvation is what gives the celebration its significance in Christian faith.

The Origin of December 25th as Christmas

The exact origin of celebrating Jesus’ birth on December 25th is uncertain, but it was officially established in the 4th century. Before this, the early Church did not observe a specific day for Christ’s birth. It is believed that Constantine, the first Christian Roman emperor, officially designated December 25th as the celebration of Jesus’ birth to Christianize the Roman winter solstice festival. This helped shift the focus from pagan celebrations to the birth of Christ.

It wasn’t until much later that the celebration of Christmas became a global tradition, spreading through Christian communities worldwide, with varying cultural practices associated with the season.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while “Noel” does not appear in the Bible, it is a term that Christians use to refer to the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth. It is more of a cultural and liturgical tradition than a biblical mandate. The date of December 25th was chosen for practical reasons, aligning with the timing of pre-existing festivals. Though celebrating Christmas is not a biblical requirement, it offers an opportunity for Christians to reflect on the miraculous event of God’s incarnation and His gift of salvation to humanity.

God bless you.

Feel free to share this with others as we celebrate the season of Christ’s birth and reflect on its deeper meaning.

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What is the significance of his death?

Blessed be the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

One of the most profound and often-asked questions in Christianity is this: Why did Jesus have to die? Couldn’t He have just come to teach us the way of salvation, perform miracles, reveal God’s love, and then simply return to heaven? Why did His mission require a painful, humiliating death on a cross?

The answer to this question is central to the Christian faith and deeply rooted in both spiritual and natural truths. Today, let’s explore a few key reasons why the death of Jesus was necessary—not just historically, but spiritually and eternally.

1. Death Was Necessary to Bear Fruit (John 12:24)

Jesus Himself explained one of the mysteries of His death using a powerful image from nature:

John 12:24 (NKJV)
“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.”

Just like a seed must die in the soil—be buried, decay, and lose its outer shell—to produce life and bring forth a harvest, Jesus had to die in order to bring forth spiritual life for the world. His death was the seed that produced the fruit of salvation for humanity.

Had Jesus avoided the cross, the message of the Gospel would not have spread with power, the Holy Spirit would not have been given, and salvation would not have been made available to all nations. His death was the beginning of a great harvest—a global movement of grace, mercy, and transformation.

2. His Death Was the Only Way to Remove Our Sin (Galatians 3:13)

The Bible teaches that all humanity has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Sin is a barrier between us and God—it demands justice, and the consequence is death (Romans 6:23). In the Old Testament, sacrifices were made to temporarily cover sins. But those sacrifices pointed forward to something greater.

Galatians 3:13 (NKJV)
“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’).”

Jesus became that ultimate sacrifice. He bore the weight of our sin. On the cross, He became the object of God’s judgment so that we could receive mercy. The Father turned His face away not because He stopped loving Jesus, but because Jesus was carrying our sin—and God, in His holiness, cannot look upon sin with favor.

Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

Without His death, sin would still reign, and our separation from God would remain.

3. Through Death, Jesus Disarmed Satan and Conquered Death Itself (Hebrews 2:14)

Hebrews 2:14 (NLT)
“Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death.”

Jesus didn’t just die for sin—He died to destroy death itself. His death and resurrection defeated the one who held the power of death: the devil. Jesus broke the chains of fear and judgment that Satan uses to enslave people.

Because He lives, we have hope beyond the grave. Death has lost its sting (1 Corinthians 15:55). His resurrection is the guarantee of our eternal life.

4. His Death Sealed the New Covenant and Our Inheritance (Hebrews 9:16–17)

Hebrews 9:16-17 (NIV)
“In the case of a will, it is necessary to prove the death of the one who made it, because a will is in force only when somebody has died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living.”

Think of it this way: just as a legal will only becomes active after someone dies, Jesus’ death activated the promises of the New Covenant—eternal life, forgiveness, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, access to the Father, and spiritual authority. Through His death, we inherited every spiritual blessing in heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3).

5. His Death Makes Our Spiritual Rebirth Possible (Romans 6:3–4)

Romans 6:3-4 (NKJV)
“Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

In baptism, we are united with Christ—not only in His death but in His resurrection. Just as He died to sin once for all, we are called to die to our old way of life and rise into a new life led by the Spirit. His death opened the door for our transformation.

So What Must You Do?

If you have not yet received Jesus as Lord and Savior, today is the day. He died for you, not just to forgive your sins, but to give you a new heart, a new beginning, and eternal life.

Repent of your sins. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Seek baptism in water, fully immersed in His name, as a symbol of dying to self and rising with Him into life.

John 14:6 (NKJV)
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”

In conclusion

Don’t let Satan convince you that your baptism, your repentance, or your pursuit of holiness is meaningless. He knows that when you step into the water with faith and a surrendered heart, your life is marked forever. That’s why he resists it.

But Jesus said:

Mark 16:16 (ESV)
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

So press in. Seek Him with all your heart. Embrace the power of His death and resurrection—and walk in the victory He purchased for you with His blood.

May the power of the cross be real and alive in your life.

God bless you.

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At its core, sin is anything that goes against God’s will, His perfect standards, and His laws. It’s more than just doing something wrong—it’s a condition that separates us from God.

1.) Missing the Mark: The Bible uses the idea of missing the mark to describe sin. Think of it like shooting an arrow at a target and not hitting the bullseye. In the same way, sin means falling short of God’s standard. No matter how hard we try, if we miss that mark, we’re in sin.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

2) Disobedience to God’s Commands: Sin began in the very first human beings, Adam and Eve. God gave them a clear instruction in the Garden of Eden: don’t eat from a specific tree. They chose to disobey, and that act of disobedience brought sin into the world, affecting every person who has ever lived since.

“You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” (Genesis 2:16-17)
“When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food… she took some and ate it.” (Genesis 3:6)

From that moment, sin became part of human experience.

3) Rebellion Against God: Sin isn’t just breaking rules. It’s essentially a rebellion against God. It’s when we turn our backs on Him, deciding we know better than He does. Whether we’re consciously aware of it or not, choosing to live in a way that goes against God’s will is a form of rejecting His authority in our lives.

“We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way…” (Isaiah 53:6)

4) Sin is Lawlessness: In the Bible, sin is also described as lawlessness—when we disregard God’s law and decide to live without any moral guidelines. It’s not just about breaking a law; it’s about rejecting the concept of law altogether.

“Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.” (1 John 3:4)

5) Sin is Inherited: Because of Adam and Eve’s choice to sin, all of humanity has inherited a sinful nature. It’s like a broken part of us that keeps us inclined to sin. We’re all born into this condition—our desires, actions, and choices are often tainted by it. It’s not something we choose, but it’s a part of the human condition.

“Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned…” (Romans 5:12)

6) Sin Separates Us from God: The biggest issue with sin is that it separates us from God. God is perfectly holy, and sin cannot exist in His presence. So, when we sin, it creates a distance between us and God, which is why we feel disconnected from Him.

“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you…” (Isaiah 59:2)

7) The Consequences of Sin: Ultimately, the wages of sin is death. This isn’t just physical death—it’s spiritual death. Sin leads to brokenness, destruction, and a permanent separation from God if it’s not dealt with. Without Jesus, we would be stuck in that separation forever.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

So, What Does All of This Mean?

In simple terms, sin is the rejection of God’s plan and His will for our lives. It’s a conscious or unconscious choice to go our own way instead of living according to His design. Sin has consequences, both now and in eternity, because it damages our relationship with God and leads to destruction.

However, the good news is that God made a way for us to be forgiven and restored through Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus took the penalty for our sins, offering us a way to be reconciled to God and live in relationship with Him again.

To sum up: Sin is essentially living in a way that goes against God’s design for us—whether by disobeying, rebelling, or falling short of His perfect standard. But there’s hope: through Jesus, we can be forgiven, healed, and made new.

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The Feast of Dedication, also known as Hanukkah, means “the Feast of Consecration” or “Rededication.” This celebration was established by the Jews several centuries after the last Old Testament prophet, Malachi.

Unlike the seven feasts ordained by God through Moses (such as Passover, Pentecost, and the Day of Atonement), this particular feast was not part of the Mosaic law. Instead, it was instituted by a small group of faithful Jews as a memorial of a remarkable moment in Jewish history—when the Temple in Jerusalem was purified and rededicated after being defiled.

Historical Background: The Struggle for the Temple

The origins of this feast go back to the time of the cruel Seleucid king, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who ruled over parts of the Greek empire around 175–164 BC. This king marched into Jerusalem, desecrated the holy Temple, outlawed Jewish worship, and attempted to force the Jews to embrace pagan customs. He even sacrificed unclean animals—like pigs—on the altar of the Lord, fulfilling the prophecy of the “abomination of desolation” in Daniel 8:9–14.

A faithful Jewish priestly family, led by Judas Maccabeus, rose up in defiance. They retreated into the wilderness, raised a resistance, and launched a successful revolt known as the Maccabean Revolt. After defeating Antiochus’s forces, they entered the Temple, cleansed it, rebuilt the altar, and rededicated it to the worship of the one true God.

From that time onward, this day became a yearly commemoration of God’s faithfulness and the restoration of pure worship.

 This history is recorded in the books of 1 and 2 Maccabees, which are included in the Apocrypha.

Similar to the Feast of Purim

This feast shares a similar nature with the Feast of Purim, which was instituted by Mordecai and Queen Esther after the Jewish people were delivered from the evil plot of Haman. Like Hanukkah, Purim was not one of the original feasts given through Moses, but it became an annual celebration of God’s deliverance.

Esther 9:27–28 (NIV):
“The Jews took it upon themselves to establish the custom that they and their descendants and all who join them should without fail observe these two days every year… These days should be remembered and observed in every generation by every family, and in every province and every city.”

Both Hanukkah and Purim remind us that God is actively involved in human history, preserving His people even in times of great peril.

Jesus and the Feast of Dedication

Interestingly, Jesus Himself honored this feast:

John 10:22–23 (NIV):
“Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade.”

Though it was not commanded in the Torah, Jesus’ presence at the Temple during Hanukkah shows that He acknowledged its spiritual significance.

What Can We Learn From the Feast of Dedication?

1. God honors pure motives and sincere worship.
   Just as God honored David’s desire to build Him a house—even though it was Solomon who completed it—He also honored the dedication of those who longed to restore the Temple. Their celebration was not in vain; it was a declaration of gratitude, and it received divine approval.
2. Spiritual renewal is always worth commemorating.
   Just as the Temple was physically cleansed and rededicated, our hearts—God’s temple today—must be continually purified and consecrated to Him (1 Corinthians 6:19).
3. Our personal victories in God deserve testimony and remembrance.
   Both Hanukkah and Purim were responses to divine intervention. As believers, we too should set aside moments to thank God for His acts of deliverance in our lives.
4. Traditions born out of thankfulness can be powerful.
   Even though Hanukkah wasn’t divinely mandated through Moses, it became a meaningful tradition. This shows us that when we honor God sincerely—even outside the prescribed rituals—He receives our devotion.

 Are You Saved?

Friend, are you saved? Have you surrendered your life to Jesus Christ?

The final trumpet is near. Soon, the saints will be taken from the earth. The time of grace will end, and eternity will begin. Where will you spend it?

You don’t know what the next five minutes may hold. If you died today—or if Christ returned now—would you be ready?

“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” —Hebrews 3:15

Hell is real. The Bible says it never gets full. Don’t gamble with your eternity.

Receive Jesus today. Turn from your sins. Be washed, forgiven, and filled with new life.

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Blessed be the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

In Scripture, Jesus is given three remarkable titles:

1. Son of God
2. Son of David
3. Son of Adam

Each of these titles holds deep significance and reveals important aspects of who Jesus is, what He came to accomplish, and His place in God’s redemptive plan. Let’s take a closer look at each one.

1. Jesus as the Son of God: The Heir of All Things

The title “Son of God” is more than a name; it signifies inheritance—specifically, Jesus inherits all authority, power, and glory from the Father. In biblical times, the title “son” referred to the heir, the one who would take over the father’s estate. Jesus, as the Son of God, is the heir to everything that belongs to the Father. This inheritance includes God’s majesty, His kingdom, His rule, and ultimately, the power to redeem and restore humanity.

Hebrews 1:2-3 tells us: “But in these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word.”

Because Jesus is the Son of God, He is the rightful heir to all creation. Everything that belongs to God has been given to Him. This is why, in Matthew 28:18, Jesus boldly declares, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

Jesus is not merely a messenger of God—He is the full revelation of God Himself, the one through whom the entire universe was made and the one who sustains it.

2. Jesus as the Son of David: The Fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant

The second title, “Son of David,” connects Jesus to David, Israel’s greatest king, and to the covenant God made with him. God promised David that his descendants would rule forever, and through this promise, He established an everlasting throne for the Messiah, who would come from David’s lineage.

Jesus is the fulfillment of that promise. The Son of David isn’t just a descendant of David; He is the long-awaited King who will reign eternally. Jesus doesn’t just claim the title as a mere heir; He is the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic promise, the King who will rule with justice and peace over all nations.

In Matthew 1:1-17, the genealogy of Jesus shows that He is the direct descendant of David, confirming that He has the right to sit on David’s throne. But His kingship is not limited to Israel; it is a universal reign that will extend to the entire world, ultimately establishing a new Jerusalem (Revelation 21), the eternal dwelling place of God and His people.

Jesus’ royal heritage isn’t just a connection to the past—it’s a promise for the future. He is the King of Kings, and His kingdom will never end.

3. Jesus as the Son of Adam: The Redeemer of Humanity’s Lost Inheritance

The third title, “Son of Adam,” is deeply tied to Jesus’ role as the Redeemer of mankind. Adam, the first human, was given dominion over the earth and entrusted with the responsibility to rule and multiply. However, when Adam sinned, he lost his inheritance—his dominion over the earth—and subjected all of humanity to sin, death, and separation from God.

For humanity to reclaim what was lost, a second Adam was needed—someone who would restore the authority that Adam forfeited. Jesus, as the second Adam, came to redeem that lost inheritance and take back the dominion over the earth that Adam had surrendered.

1 Corinthians 15:45 highlights this: “So it is written, ‘The first man Adam became a living being; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit.’”
Jesus, the last Adam, not only came to fulfill God’s original intention for humanity but also to restore what was lost in the fall. He is the perfect man, fully human, who perfectly obeyed God where Adam failed.

As the Son of Adam, Jesus didn’t just represent humanity—He redeemed humanity, offering the chance for all who believe in Him to be restored to their original purpose: to rule with God in His eternal kingdom. Jesus is the one who reverses the curse of the fall and brings us back into fellowship with God.

In Matthew 11:27, Jesus says, “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.”

Through Jesus, we see God’s original plan for humanity restored. As the Son of Adam, Jesus reclaims the dominion and authority that Adam lost, offering new life to all who are in Him.

Jesus: The Alpha and Omega

Jesus is the beginning and the end—the Alpha and the Omega. He is the perfect image of God and the perfect man. As the Son of God, He is the heir of all that belongs to God. As the Son of David, He is the promised King who will reign forever. And as the Son of Adam, He is the Redeemer who restores humanity’s lost inheritance.

Jesus is not just a historical figure; He is the center of all things—the Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer of the universe. If you have not yet believed in Him, now is the time to come to Him. He is the only way to the Father and the only hope for eternal life.

As Revelation 22:13 reminds us, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”

May the Lord bless you as you continue to discover more of who Jesus is and the incredible work He has done for us.

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What is the meaning of Passover according to the Bible? And should Christians celebrate it today, as the Jewish people have for generations?

1. Understanding Passover Biblically

The term Passover originates from the Old Testament event in which God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. On the eve of their deliverance, God gave Moses specific instructions:

“Each man is to take a lamb for his family, one for each household” (Exodus 12:3, NIV).

The lamb was to be without blemish (Exodus 12:5), symbolizing purity. After slaughtering the lamb, the Israelites were told to apply its blood on the doorposts and lintel of their homes. That night, the Lord passed through Egypt to strike down every firstborn human and animal but when He saw the blood, He would pass over the home, sparing its inhabitants.

“The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you” (Exodus 12:13, ESV).

This event became the basis for the annual Jewish festival of Passover (Pesach), commemorating their divine rescue.

2. Christ as the Fulfillment of Passover

In the New Testament, Jesus is revealed as the ultimate fulfillment of the Passover lamb. The Apostle Paul clearly states:

“For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7, ESV).

Just as the blood of the lamb protected the Israelites from death, the blood of Jesus protects believers from eternal judgment. His sacrifice on the cross is our deliverance from sin, death, and God’s righteous wrath.

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” (Ephesians 1:7, NIV).

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1, ESV).

When God’s judgment comeseither now or on the Last Daythose who are “covered by the blood” of Jesus will be spared.

3. Should Christians Celebrate Passover?

The answer depends on how it is celebrated.

A. Biblical vs. Worldly Celebration

The modern, worldly view of celebration often involves parties, drinking, sensual entertainment, and indulgence in fleshly desires. This contradicts the spirit of true worship and remembrance. True biblical celebration, however, is marked by reverence, gratitude, humility, and a desire to draw closer to God.

“Let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:28–29, ESV).

Even under the Old Covenant, Passover was observed with seriousness. It involved cleansing, sacrifice, and reflection—not revelry.

B. Christ-Centered Commemoration

Christians are not required to observe the Jewish Passover as a religious obligation (Colossians 2:16–17), because Jesus fulfilled its purpose. However, we are encouraged to remember and honor what God has done for us through Christ especially through practices like the Lord’s Supper.

“Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19, NIV).

We can reflect on the meaning of Passover with a focus on Jesus as our sacrificial Lamb. It’s a time for:

• Self-examination and repentance (2 Corinthians 13:5)
• Participating in the Lord’s Supper worthily (1 Corinthians 11:27–29)
• Renewing our commitment to holiness (1 Peter 1:15–16)
• Forgiveness and reconciliation (Matthew 6:14–15)

Celebrating in this spirit brings blessing, inner peace, and spiritual renewal.

4. The Danger of Worldly Misuse

If a believer uses this sacred occasion for worldly pleasure drunkenness, immorality, or mockery of spiritual truths they dishonor Christ and His sacrifice. They identify more with the world than with the cross.

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15, ESV).

“Whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 11:27, ESV).

Instead of drawing closer to God, they invite judgment upon themselves.

Conclusion

While Christians are not bound to observe Passover as Jews do, we are invited to honor its fulfilled meaning in Christ. If we celebrate with reverence, reflection, and gratitude, it becomes a spiritually enriching experience. But if we celebrate in a worldly way, we miss the purpose entirely and risk bringing harm to ourselves.

May the Lord bless you as you seek to honor Him in all things.

Mada Nyinginezo

Je! kuna sikukuu za pasaka mbili? (Hesabu 9:11)

Easter ni nini?..Na je tunaruhusiwa kuisheherekea?

Ijumaa kuu ni nini? Na kwanini iitwe kuu?

KWA MIOYO YAO WAKAREJEA MISRI.

Je! Karamu za ‘Idi’ ndio zipo hizo tunazozisoma katika Hosea (12:9)

Ni muda gani Bwana Yesu alisulibiwa. Je! Ni saa 3 au saa 6?

HAPANA MFUPA WAKE UTAKAOVUNJWA.

JE! UTATOA HESABU YA NINI KATIKA SIKU ILE?

Rudi Nyumbani:

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