Churches across Kigali filled to capacity on Christmas Day as believers gathered for worship marked by prayer, music, and reflection on faith, compassion, and reconciliation. At Saint-Michel Catholic Church, worshippers began arriving early, filling every bench inside the basilica. Others brought chairs and sat at entrances, following the service through open doors and windows. “This is a powerful sign of faith, as we are eager to welcome the birth of Christ,” said Eric Mucunguzi, a Catholic believer. ALSO READ: Faith leaders urge believers to put Christ back at the centre of Xmas Sabine Ishimwe, who attended with her two children, said Christmas offered a moment to nurture faith early in life. “This day inspires our children to love Jesus Christ and pray to God from an early age,” she said. In his Christmas homily, Cardinal Antoine Kambanda urged believers to reflect on their faith and personal lives. “Jesus, our light, was born for everyone,” he said, warning that development risks replacing God in a fast-changing world. “What is our belief status? Do we know God, or are we in darkness and sin?” he asked, adding that without God, human efforts remain empty. ALSO READ: Chorale de Kigali ushers in Christmas with soulful hymns He called on Christians to repent, to care for the poor, and to live out their faith in action, echoing Pope Leo’s reminder that denying help to the needy is rejecting God. About 6,000 worshippers attended the service at Saint-Michel. At St Etienne Anglican Church, Christmas worship featured song, thanksgiving, and fellowship. Reverend Nathan Rusengo Amooti said the celebration centred on reconciliation. ALSO READ: Thousands turn up for Christmas prayers “Being reconciled to God gives us an opportunity to be reconciled with our fellow man,” he said, adding that the church would remain active through the festive season with baptisms, confirmations, and New Year services. At the Evangelical Restoration Church in Masoro, believers gathered for praise and prayer, with Apostle Yoshua Ndagijimana Masasu calling for reflection and deliverance, particularly for those struggling with drug abuse. “This is a time to be saved by Jesus Christ,” he said. At Zion Temple Celebration Centre in Gatenga, Apostle Paul Muhirwa Gitwaza prayed for families, youth, and children, urging believers to let Christ be “born in their hearts, homes, and work.” The ADEPR church also held services from Christmas Eve through Christmas Day. At ADEPR Remera, Reverend Justin Gatanazi prayed for teenagers and those battling addiction. ALSO READ: A guide to Christmas church services across Kigali “With Jesus Christ, drug abuse can end,” he said. Senior Pastor Isaie Ndayizeye of the Association of Pentecostal Churches in Rwanda said the festive season offers a moment for reflection and preparation. “Ending the year in peace is something worth celebrating,” he said.
