Takeaways from Christmas sermons

The Christmas season is often a time of joy and celebration, but for many, it is also a moment to pause, reflect, and reset their values. This year, the Christmas sermon by Bishop Enos Kitto Kagodo at St Andrew’s and Phillip’s Cathedral in Mukono left a profound impact on the congregants, inspiring practical lessons for daily life beyond the pews. The sermon, our reporter says was more than just words. It was a guiding beacon for Ugandans navigating challenges of faith, family, and community in today’s world. She notes that Bishop Kagodo highlighted putting Jesus first in whatever we do since He is the centre of our wellbeing, we ought to avoiding being greedy/ corrupt. The reporter went ahead and sounded out those who attended the same service and elsewhere on their takeaways.

Confidence

Stephan Lukanga Omulangila, a teacher, found a renewed sense of hope in the bishop’s message.

“Christ, born to us on Christmas Day, is a wonderful counsellor who solves all problems,” he shared with a smile. For Omulangila, this message was not just about faith but about building confidence in the face of life’s uncertainties. “Amidst the challenges we are facing, the Son of God is the answer to all. His birth reminds us to anchor our struggles in faith and trust God’s plan for our lives.”

For Betty Kisitu, chairperson of the Mothers’ Union at the cathedral, the day’s theme from Isaiah 9:2 offered profound insight. Kisitu recalled how the bishop’s creative analogy during his sermon brought scripture to life. “He explained salvation by comparing Jesus to the freewheel of a bicycle,” she said. “The freewheel keeps the bicycle moving forward, and in the same way, Jesus is the centre of our lives. When we let Him guide us, everything else falls in place.” This vivid illustration struck a chord with the congregation, reminding them of the importance of putting faith at the forefront of their actions.

Love and peace

Paddy Nsobya, the cathedral’s communications officer, found his takeaway in the call to love and embrace peace—values often taken for granted but desperately needed in today’s world.

“The sermon taught us to avoid petty issues that escalate into family conflicts,” he said. “Small misunderstandings can lead to big problems such as domestic violence and divorce. Christ’s birth is a call to renew our hearts, let go of greed, and stop bad practices like taking what is not ours.” For Nsobya, this message was a reminder to foster harmony and generosity, starting at home.

Integrity matters

Joan Atukunda, a farmer, echoed this sentiment, sharing how Bishop Kagodo’s words urged her to act with integrity. “He warned us against grabbing property that does not belong to us, including church land,” she said. “For me, this was a call to respect others’ property and live in line with God’s teachings.”

Atukunda also took the bishop’s advice to heart regarding the upcoming elections. “I have decided not to openly support any political candidates,” she explained, adding that :“It is better to stay neutral than risk arrest or harm over politics.”

Her resolution reflects the caution many feel about navigating Uganda’s often volatile political landscape.

Joseph Mukasa, a security guard in Mukono, found inspiration in the sermon’s emphasis on peace.

“The bishop spoke about promoting peace to avoid stress and killings,” he said.

“This really struck me because our country needs peace more than ever.” Like Atukunda, Mukasa resolved to steer clear of election-related violence and remain focused on building a better life.

“The bishop advised us to avoid bad acts that lead to arrests and torture. It is a lesson I will carry with me into the New Year.”

‘Treat others well’

Sarah Nakiguli, a congregant at St Luke Church of Uganda Seeta, says her takeaway from the Archdeacon of Seeta Archdeaconry, the Rev Edward Kironde, was for politicians to stop torturing those who contest against them.

"The Rev Kironde's message was emphatic, saying there is nothing one benefits from fighting a colleague because you are all equal since you all qualify for the same position," she recalls adding that : "Politicians should learn to do good to people so that they become loved rather than speaking ill of others." He also called upon Christians to support each other to live a happy life.

These diverse reflections reveal the universal relevance of the Christmas message. From faith and family to politics and community, the sermon at St Andrew’s and Phillip’s Cathedral resonated deeply with Ugandans seeking hope and direction in uncertain times.