CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 2012 THE MOST REV.

STANLEY NTAGALI ARCHBISHOP OF THE CHURCH OF UGANDA

Christmas greetings to all Ugandans!

I thank God for this very important season of Christmas which is the time we join other Christians all over the world to celebrate the greatest event of our Christian history the birth of our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ, which took place over 2000 years ago. The great gift God gave to the world out of his love. It is a time of great joy to all people.

This Christmas is unique because as a country, we have just celebrated our Golden Jubilee of our Independence. We looked together at our achievements as a nation, our failures and success. We rededicated ourselves to serve our motherland Uganda with commitment, honesty and integrity in the next 50 years. We need to work hard to improve on the things we did not do so well in the first 50 years of our independence.

Yes, it was a time of great joy and celebration for all Ugandans. Our beloved President courageously and confidently opened his heart and repented on behalf of all Ugandans. This was a sign of what God requires from all of us. To repent and be reconciled to our God brings forgiveness and transformation. We all need to repent of what went wrong in our lives and families so that God in his mercy can forgive us of all the evil things that have continued to affect our country and families.

The prophecy of Isaiah regarding the birth of Jesus Christ shows that he was to be born in a fallen world full of hatred, injustice and corruption. Jesus came to bring peace and joy. He came as the true light in the dark world. To restore humanity to the original position of being true and loved people of God. To bring reconciliation and healing among children, families, elders, rich and poor. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given and the government will be on his shoulders and he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (1 Isaiah 9:6)

We are celebrating Christmas when other people are in difficult situations, many homes are breaking because of domestic violence, land issues are dividing families and neighbours, jealous and hatred are causing conflict in many homes and villages, corruption is on the increase, child sacrifice is on the increase, defilement etc. Many people have given up hope and faith in the living God and His Son Jesus Christ whose birth we are celebrating.

But to us a child was born, the Saviour came to a sinful world for fallen people. We need to know that God still loves us, He cares about us, He is the Saviour of the world. He wants us to accept him as our Saviour and Lord. He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. He can change the thinking of people who have not yet understood his love and his Peace. He is the Prince of Peace. Jesus is the only Hope for Uganda.

I appeal to you all Ugandans this Christmas to allow Jesus to change your thinking. Allow him to be born into your life, family, office, business etc. That is when we shall be able to experience Gods forgiveness as individuals and as a Country. His grace the unmerited favour will transform our lives, our attitudes, our work etc. This will help all Ugandans, young and old; rich and poor to be men and women of integrity. To be responsible citizens, transparent and accountable to God and our people. Together we shall make our country Uganda a better country for us and for the generation to come.

Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year 2013 to; H.E the President of Uganda Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Maama Janet Museveni and family The Vice President of Uganda Rt. Hon. Prime Minister The Hon. Ministers My predecessor, Bishop Henry Luke Orombi and Maama Phoebe Orombi My brother Bishops of the Church of Uganda and your dear wives All Clergy and Lay Leaders All Christians in our Dioceses and the People of Uganda

Signed,

The Most Rev. Stanley Ntagali ARCHBISHOP OF CHURCH OF UGANDA