Embrace Jesus for peace, reconciliation — Lango Bishop Olwa

LIRA - Lango Diocese bishop, the Rt. Rev. Prof. Alfred Olwa has urged Christians to embrace Christmas not as a season of excess, but as a sacred moment to receive God’s greatest gift to humanity: Jesus Christ, the source of peace, love and reconciliation.

Speaking during the 2025 Christmas Carol celebrations in Lira city on December 21, 2025, Bishop Olwa urged believers to open their hearts to God’s word, renew their faith and live lives that reflect Christian discipline, responsibility and compassion, especially as the region heads into a sensitive election period.

“As we celebrate Christmas, may God open our hearts to receive His message from Scripture, fill us with His peace, strengthen our faith and renew our hope,” the Bishop prayed, blessing the choirs for their songs of praise.

Discipline and time management

Olwa emphasised time management and accountability, warning that lateness and disorder, even among clergy, undermine effective leadership.

“From next year, we shall keep time and manage resources properly. Shame on those who come late; even clergy should be ashamed. Time management in leadership is not optional,” he said.

He announced plans to convene choirs, lay readers and clergy for training in live-streaming church services, saying the Church must adapt to modern communication while maintaining reverence.

While appreciating the choirs that participated, the Bishop noted that Lango’s large population should translate into even stronger mass participation in worship.

“If this were a competition, we would have over 1,000 singers. Let us bring the same passion to worshipping God together,” he said, expressing optimism that future carols would be even more vibrant.

Christ at the centre of Christmas

Bishop Olwa reminded Christians that Christmas is not about gifts and luxury, but about accepting Jesus Christ, the gift God gave to the world.

Quoting John 3:16, he reaffirmed the heart of the Christian message: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”

He encouraged believers to stand firm in faith and invited non-believers to embrace Christ, noting that “the door is still open”.

Referencing Isaiah 9:6–7, the Bishop described Jesus as the prophesied leader who brings peace and justice, adding that the coming year’s diocesan theme, drawn from Ephesians 2:15–17, would focus on reconciliation and unity.

A world in pain, a saviour for all

In a moving testimony, Olwa recounted a recent call from a distressed man who had armed himself with a pistol, machete and spear, intending to attack family members.

“When he called me, this big man was crying like a child,” the Bishop said. “I went to him and prayed with him.”

The story, he said, illustrated the brokenness of the world and the urgent need for Christ’s peace.

“God saw that the only way to heal the human heart was by sending His Son,” he said.

He assured believers that Christ’s coming brings light, forgiveness and love, reaching people wherever they are—prisons, hospitals, homes or workplaces.

“To those in prison, Jesus will reach you there. To the sick, He has come to heal. To the bereaved, He will wipe your tears. To farmers, business people and workers, God will bless your efforts,” he said.

A message to the youth and voters

Addressing the youth, Bishop Olwa reminded them that they are the future of the Church and society.

“Jesus calls you to abandon immorality, theft, violence and all forms of sin, and become agents of change,” he said.

With Uganda heading to the polls on January 15, 2026, the Bishop urged Christians to be peaceful, responsible voters.

Quoting Proverbs 16:33, he advised voters to cast their ballots calmly and return home.
“Vote and go back home. Do not stay behind, causing tension. Be a person of peace,” he said.

He also appealed for responsible road use during the festive season, cautioning against reckless driving and disregard for traffic laws.

Greetings and blessings

As he concluded, Bishop Olwa extended Christmas greetings to President Yoweri Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni, ministers, especially those from Lango, the Won Nyaci (paramount chief) of Lango and his cabinet, and all believers across the sub-region.

“As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember that God loves the world. Celebrate with love and the peace of Jesus Christ,” he said.

The message blended faith, social responsibility and moral guidance—offering Lango a call to peace, discipline and hope.