“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased, Luke 2:14”
When Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem of Judah, the Angels glorified God and announced Peace on earth.
The birth of our Lord Jesus Christ as we remember during this season relate to the peace that we need in our lives and in our County in general.
We welcome the King of peace, who comes with the mission of cleansing all our sins and whatever, that distorts peace in our lives. This is because Jesus was born purposely to save human kind from sin in order for us to live. Mathew 1:21
May I request you to think deeply in your heart as you ask yourselves that what if Jesus did not come, where do you think you and I would be? The moment we understand the meaning of the coming of Jesus Christ through his divine birth for us, then we are required to open our heart and offer our lives to Him for salvation through repenting of our sins.
That is why Paul tells us in his letter to the Galatians, after discovering the reason of Jesus’ coming that “I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me, Galatians 2:20”
The coming of Jesus Christ is the beginning of the mission of sacrificing His own life for us in order to save us from our sins. For all had sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God and justified by His Grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus Romans 3:23-24.
Brethrens, Jesus Christ is born showcasing the goodness and loving kindness of God. Our Saviour came, and saved us, not because of our works, or righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,…Titus 3:4-8.
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him, whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God,… John 3:16-18”
The birth of Jesus Christ is Good News and hope for all people and peace on earth: Jesus’ birth brings hope especially at this time when we are looking for total peace in our Nation Uganda. During this time of electing new leadership especially when campaigns are going on, let us all keep ourselves in prayers, praying for peaceful elections and unity that the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ brings to us. For our unity in Jesus is total peace for everyone. Luke 2:14.
People of God, as we celebrate this year’s Christmas, may that love of God that comes along with Jesus Christ being reflected in our words, deeds and through our actions of mercy towards everyone.
Brethrens, as we celebrate Christmas, let us extend that love that comes along with the birth of Jesus Christ through our merciful actions to one another. Let us cry out to the name that is greater than any other names as we go through the challenges of life for us to be saved. Romans 10:9-13
Let us pray to our God who is able in every circumstances of life and who is a channel of peace through His son Jesus Christ, to give us ultimate peace as we prepare for Elections in this Country and also in His Church. Let us guard against acts of violence that robs us of our peace. Let us believe in God and allow Him to elect suitable Candidates for this Nation and may the Holy Spirit lead and guide us in making the right choices and have peaceful elections.
Let us also accept those who will be elected to be our Leaders during their new term of Office both in this Nation and in Church. We are all obliged to vote our Leaders in this Nation and members of our Diocesan Synod for the years 2026-2030. Therefore, I encourage everyone to engage in the forth coming elections for the betterment of our Country and Church at large.
I implore parents to take care of our children during their holidays/vacation. Teach them different useful types of work and skills, and encourage them to be productive members of the society. “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit and serve the Lord, Romans 12:11. This world is looking for hardworking people who will be able to take care of the members of their household.
As I conclude, I and Maama, Rev. Canon Prof. Olivia Nassaka Banja together with members of our family, wish His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda Rtd. General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Maama Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, Ssaabasajja, The Kabaka of Buganda Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II and Maama Nnaabagereka Sylvia Nagginda, Abalangira n’Abambejja, The Katikkiro of Buganda Oweek. Charles Peter Mayiga and Maama Margaret and other Cultural Leaders in this Country and beyond, The Archbishop of the Province of the Church of Uganda, His Grace Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu and Maama Margaret, Bishops, The Clergy, Lay-Readers and all the people of God a Merry Christmas and peaceful festive season.
I wish you all the very best and happy New Year full of Peace and Joy.
Finally, may I invite you to come and join in the Crossover Night Prayers and Thanksgiving as we transit from 2025 into 2026 and as we receive the blessings of the New Year.
This years’ Crossover Night has been organised very well and we have invited Servants of God who will speak throughout the night in the Cathedral Gardens on the 31st December, 2025.
I wish you Peace and Blessings from God throughout the New Year.
Rt. Rev. Moses Banja
BISHOP OF NAMIREMBE