Use festive season to change your ways — Bunyoro bishop

_____________________

HOIMA

Bunyoro Kitara diocese bishop, the Rt Rev. Jacob Ateirweho, has urged Christians to desist from acts that do not glorify Jesus Christ.

He urged the people of Bunyoro and Christians to celebrate this Christmas meaningfully by doing what brought Jesus Christ on earth: Spread the word of God. According to him, every baptised Christian is Jesus' disciple.

He, however, expressed concern that instead of celebrating Christmas by praising God and glorifying his name, some Christians celebrate Christmas by engaging in evil, such as theft, alcoholism, sexual immorality and fighting among others.

“During Christmas celebration, is the day when the bar gets high sales, others go for night discos, and others engage in sexual immorality, when you celebrate in such a way, you will have not celebrated Christmas meaningfully, I advise you to avoid all these acts,” he said.

Ateirweho also urged the Christians to use the celebration of the Christmas season to repent and change their ways of living.

The bishop, who made the remarks at the Bishops House in Duhaga while delivering his 2024 Christmas message on December 23, 2024, in Hoima City, said Jesus Christ was born to save and rule the lives of God's people.

Quoting John 3:17: For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him, he challenged Christians to give their lives to Christ so that he can role in heats.

He added that Jesus Christ was born for man to get saved from the bondage of sinful acts like alcoholism, sexual immorality, murder, hatred and jealousy.

"You need to allow Jesus to rule and govern your life,” Ateirweho said, quoting Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”.

Focus on children's safety

Bishop Ateirweho also challenged parents to focus on the security of their children during this festival season. He noted that children should not be allowed to move alone due to the likelihood of them being lured into taking part in immoral acts, which expose them to HIV and unwanted pregnancies.

He added that even boys are likely to be introduced to alcohol and drug abuse and challenged parents to be vigilant about the people associating with their children.

Love one another

Pastor Joshua Byabasaija Amooti while preaching to Christians recently. (Credit: Peter Abaanabasazi)

In his Christmas message, Pastor Joshua of the Voice of Peace Narrow Gates International Church Ministries in Kyedikyo village, Hoima East division in Hoima city, called on Bunyoro residents to advocate for unity and love to ensure peace and development.

He attributed the increasing hatred and witchcraft among other evil acts in the society to a lack of love for one another, unity and Jealousy among the community.

He also called on the public to give their lives to Jesus Christ adding that there is hope for those with Jesus Christ that they will not suffer that bondage of sin.