“Do not be afraid, for I bring to you good news that will bring great joy to all people” (Luke 2:10)

This was the message of the angel to the shepherds on Christmas Day, which encourages us also this year not to be afraid. Although we have entered the celebration of Christmas this year 2018 with mixed feelings of joy, doubts and uncertainties about the signed peace agreement, I encourage all South Sudanese inside and outside the country to celebrate this Christmas with joy and hope, because we have the revitalised peace agreement which gives us hope and chance to build peace and enable the agreement to hold.

This year let us celebrate by forgiving one another, reconcile with those who have hurt us and work hard to push the peace agreement from paper to a practical peace on the ground.

May the new born baby Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, bring the spirit of trust amongst all South Sudanese and blessing to the entire nation of South Sudan.

Happy Christmas

++Justin Badi Arama

The Most Revd Justin Badi Arama,
The Archbishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan
and the Diocesan Bishop of Juba