Faithful congregation brave rainy morning for Christmas service

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On a chilly Christmas morning, while the skies wept with a persistent downpour, hundreds of worshippers gathered inside Christian Life Church in Kampala to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Despite the weather, their hearts were filled with joy and anticipation, creating a vibrant atmosphere of faith and hope.

The church was beautifully decorated, with colorful lights and a nativity scene at the front, serving as a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.

As the congregation awaited the start of the service, the air was filled with the sweet scent of pine and the whispers of expectation.

The service, led by Christian Life Ministries’ Lead Pastor Jackson Senyonga, featured uplifting praise and worship, with the church’s worship teams setting the tone for a celebration of faith, hope, and renewal.

In his sermon, Pastor Senyonga encouraged Ugandans to conquer their fears and embrace hard work if they hope to achieve lasting economic prosperity.

Christians praying during the service. (Credit: Lawrence Mulondo)

Overcoming fear and embracing hard work

Pastor Senyonga delivered a powerful message, reminding the congregation that Uganda’s journey to middle-income status requires action, determination, and faith.

“God is taking this country into a middle-income status,” he said, “but it will not come as a gift to everyone. It will come to those who conquer their fears and work diligently.”

Reflecting on the significance of Christmas, he pointed out that it was a time to remember how God executed His plan to bring Jesus into the world.

“Christmas reminds us that God worked on His plan,” he explained. “He brought Jesus. His project prospered and succeeded. We too must work on our plans to get from where we are to where we need to be as individuals.”

Jesus as the model of productivity

The pastor highlighted Jesus as the ultimate model of productivity and prosperity, noting that Jesus worked alongside His father Joseph in the carpentry shop.

Pastor Senyonga during the service. (Credit: Lawrence Mulondo)

“Whatever Jesus touched succeeded,” Senyonga said. “Even dying on the cross was a huge mission, but He succeeded in fulfilling His purpose.”

Senyonga encouraged the congregation to adopt Jesus’ work ethic and apply it to their own lives. “God is a God of prosperity,” he continued. “He wants all Ugandans to develop. He wants us to work hard like Jesus worked hard.”

Pastor Senyonga acknowledged that many Ugandans are held back by fear of failure or lack of resources. He explained that this fear must be confronted with action, a positive attitude, and, most importantly, faith.

“Faith is the antidote to fear,” he said. “Once you have faith in God, you will be like Mount Zion—immovable and unshaken, just as the Bible says.”

He reminded the congregation that fear is common to all people, regardless of their social or economic status. “The rich fear that they may not live long, or that illness will strike them prematurely,” he said.

“But God is reminding us this Christmas that we should not fear. He is able to care for us all, regardless of our circumstances.”

The peace of Christmas

Senyonga emphasized that peace is essential for prosperity. “When Jesus is born in your life, you should not fear,” he said. “The birth of Christ brings peace to our hearts, a peace that transcends our circumstances.”

He pointed to the spirit of togetherness that defines Christmas, with families and friends coming together in harmony.

“Peace comes from the heart,” he said. “When your heart is in the right place, you will experience peace. It is only when there is harmony within yourself that you can have peace.”

A call to action for 2025

As the year drew to a close, Pastor Senyonga urged his listeners to embrace their calling to make a difference in the coming year.

“In 2025, shine your light,” he said. “The Bible says that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.”

He encouraged everyone to stand up, be bold, and make a positive impact on the world around them. “With faith, unity, and hard work, 2025 can be a year of transformation and growth for both individuals and the nation as a whole,” he added.

Pastor Jackson Senyonga’s powerful Christmas message was clear that to achieve prosperity and peace, Ugandans must confront their fears, work hard, and trust in God's plan. With faith and unity, 2025 can be a year of transformation and growth for individuals and the nation.

Reflections from the congregation

Members of the congregation shared their thoughts on the true meaning of Christmas. Sandra Kantono, a resident of Kawempe, reflected on Christmas as a reminder of God's love. “Christmas is not just about gifts and food, but a time to reflect on God's love for us,” she said.

George William Kabuuka from Nabweru emphasized the importance of family and faith. “Christmas is a celebration of hope and redemption,” he said. “It reminds me that no matter the challenges I face, I have a Savior who loves me and is always with me.”

Pastor Senyonga’s Christmas message resonated with all, reinforcing the idea that overcoming