The Diocese of Ilesa Anglican Communion has held the 2026 Jesus Celebration in a colourful, glorious and spiritually uplifting atmosphere, as clergy, laity and worshippers gathered to celebrate the Lord Jesus Christ in thanksgiving, praise and joyful procession.
The celebration took place at St. Margaret Anglican Girls’ School, Oke-Ooye, Ilesa, and featured a majestic procession from various Archdeaconries. Leading the procession were the Diocesan Bishop, His Lordship, The Rt. Rev’d Prof. Dapo F. Asaju, and his wife, Mama Ilesa, Barr. Mrs. Harriet ‘Seun Dapo-Asaju, who danced joyfully alongside clergy and members of the Diocese. The procession was accompanied by resounding drums and other musical instruments, while participants were beautifully adorned in colourful Ankara attires, creating a festive yet reverent ambience.
The event witnessed an outpouring of praise and worship as the Mass Choir of the Diocese rendered soul-lifting songs. One after another, the Archdeaconries took turns to dance before the congregation in honour of Jesus Christ. Special ministrations were also presented by the Diocesan Choir, Mass Choir, children and youth, all celebrating Jesus through songs, dance and praises.
Amid powerful worship sessions, the Diocesan Bishop mounted the pulpit to deliver the sermon. Opening with fervent prayers, Bishop Asaju prayed that the light of God would shine in the lives of all present. He officially announced the theme of the 2026 Jesus Celebration as “Christ the Giver of Light,” declaring it as the guiding focus of all activities throughout the celebration. He thereafter formally declared the 2026 Jesus Celebration open in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
The Bishop announced that the 2026 Jesus Celebration would run for one full week. According to him, parishes within Ilesa township and its environs would celebrate centrally in Ilesa, while churches in outlying areas would gather to celebrate in their respective Archdeaconries.
He expressed appreciation to the organisers of the celebration and disclosed that God would be using great men of God during the week-long programme. Among those expected to minister are the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, Pastor Ajayi-Majebi, Oba Adebanji, the Elesure of Esure Ekiti, among others. He prayed that God would use them mightily for the blessing of the Diocese.
Bishop Asaju also warmly welcomed Mama Ilesa, the Provost, clergy, members of the Diocese and the entire Ilesa community. He encouraged the congregation to anticipate powerful ministrations in songs by notable gospel ministers scheduled for the programme. He acknowledged the presence of royal fathers and dignitaries, including the Oba Akoromaja of Ikoromaja, Oba Alexander Kujembola, KSJ, the Alapa of Ita-Apa, Knights of the Church, church chiefs and other distinguished guests.
Preaching from Ephesians Chapter 5, the Bishop taught that Apostle Paul called believers to come to Christ, noting that life is filled with storms, trials and challenges, even as Jesus Himself faced persecution during His earthly ministry. He reminded Christians that, despite life’s difficulties, believers have consolation through the Word of God.
He explained that there are two kingdoms—the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light—adding that Christians belong to the kingdom of light because God is light. According to him, whenever darkness attempts to attack believers, it encounters the light of God, as Christians are the light of the world.
The Bishop admonished believers to follow Christ wholeheartedly and warned especially the youth against following the devil in the pursuit of money, fame and worldly pleasures. He urged Christians who are spiritually asleep to wake up, intensify their prayer life and return passionately to evangelism.
Quoting John 8:12, he emphasized Jesus’ declaration as the Light of the world and affirmed that anyone who accepts Christ receives His light. He also cited John 1 and the words of Apostle Peter, stressing that there is no other name under heaven by which mankind can be saved except the name of Jesus Christ.
Bishop Asaju further stated that Jesus is the Truth, the Way and the Light of the world, encouraging believers that possessing Christ is greater than possessing material wealth. He prayed for miracles, healings, testimonies and divine intervention, declaring that sickness would flee, journeys would be safe and God’s Word would continually bring light into every situation.
He reminded the congregation that the first miracle of creation was light, when God commanded darkness to give way, describing it as a divine declaration of light reigning over darkness. He cautioned believers not to follow Christ merely because of signs and wonders, but because of the light He brings.
Addressing the youth, the Bishop urged them to be light in a dark world, citing the impact of early missionaries and historic figures such as William Wilberforce, whose sacrifices left lasting legacies. He also spoke on divine protection, noting that where God’s protection exists, light prevails over darkness.
The sermon concluded with a call for believers to be light in all aspects of life, praying that the light of Christ would shine through the Church into the world.
The celebration climaxed with joyful dancing and offering by members of the Diocese, as songs of praise filled the venue and hearts overflowed with gratitude to God.
Source: Media Team, Diocese of Ilesa
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