CHRISTIANS USHER IN THE NEW YEAR WITH THANKSGIVING AT THE CATHEDRAL

By Ivan Naijuka

Christians thronged the Cathedral on 1 January to usher in the New Year with prayers and thanksgiving to God, marking the beginning of 2026 with gratitude and worship.

Presiding over the New Year Thanksgiving Service, the Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Kampala, Rt. Rev Jackson Frederick Baalwa, delivered a sermon themed “The Power of Thanksgiving.” He drew from Scriptures including 1 Thessalonians 5:17–18, Psalm 92:1, 1 Chronicles 16:8–10, and Psalm 22:23.

Bishop Baalwa reminded the congregation that thanksgiving is God’s desire for His people and a vital expression of faith. He emphasized that God is always ready to respond when believers turn to Him with grateful hearts, noting that giving thanks is not optional but a good and pleasing act before God.

Reflecting on the past year, he encouraged worshippers to give thanks regardless of the challenges they may have faced in 2025, urging them to remain grateful for the gift of life and the privilege of entering a new year. He stressed that thanksgiving is not about material wealth or money, but about the posture of the heart.

The Bishop cautioned Christians against grumbling and complaining, observing that many people fail to appreciate the small but significant blessings God has already given them. He taught that thanksgiving opens the door for the miraculous, while persistent complaining hinders destiny and spiritual growth.

He further explained that thanksgiving and praise are powerful tools for victory in life’s battles, affirming that when believers thank and glorify God, they invite God’s presence and intervention. Quoting Psalm 22:23, he called on the faithful to live lives that bring glory to God.

Addressing matters of national importance, Bishop Baalwa urged Christians to remain sober, grateful, and prayerful for the nation of Uganda. He encouraged believers to exercise their constitutional right to vote and to participate responsibly in choosing leaders, emphasizing the need for peace, responsibility, and godliness in civic engagement.

During the service, the Cathedral congregation was also introduced to new members of the clergy team who have joined the Cathedral ministry. These include Rev. Simon Peter Omoding, Rev. Ebedi Mwizerwa, and Rev. Canon Dembe Lya Yesu, who were warmly welcomed into the Cathedral family as they begin their ministry service.

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