The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints heralds Xmas in Accra

The Africa West Area Office of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Accra was last Friday illuminated with Christmas lights to commemorate the “miraculous” birth of Jesus Christ at an event christened “Light the World”.

Hundreds of church members, along with their families, interfaith groups and traditional leaders gathered on the 57 Independence Avenue edifice to witness the event, which was aimed to honour the miracle of Christmas and to promote a season of service and love, qualities Jesus Christ exemplified on earth.

The annual event, a major part of the global LightTheWorld movement, transformed the temple grounds into a beacon of religious service, reflecting the season's true spirit.

Peace concert

The illumination followed an interfaith peace concert that featured uplifting performances by soloists and choirs, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ through music and worship.

Dubbed “Miracle of Christmas”, the concert at the Christiansborg Stake Centre did not only celebrate the significance of Jesus’ arrival but also celebrated the talents and unique musical gifts of members, some of whom relied on the teachings in the Holy Bible to amuse the audience.

At the highlight of the concert, the Transcendent Choir energised the audience with a variety of native gospel songs.

As part of the occasion, the leadership of the Africa West Area presented an artwork depicting Jesus Christ to the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Klottey Korle Constituency, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, their host MP, in recognition of her service to humanity.

Reflection

The President of the Africa West Area, Elder Alfred Kyungu, said as Christians celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ, it was important for members to reflect on the profound impact of his life, death and resurrection.

“The message of the gospel of Jesus Christ is simple yet profound. God gave us the greatest gift of all; his only begotten son, Jesus, who was born, lived a perfect life and gave this perfect life so that we live again,” he said.

“We express gratitude for the kindness and generosity He shows daily. Such acts of love embody the spirit of Christmas and inspire all of us to become better not just in December but throughout the year.  

“This is why the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints celebrates Christmas with such enthusiasm and love. We want the entire world to join in this sacred celebration,” Elder Kyungu added.

In that context, he urged members of the church to share what he described as two of the greatest purposes of Christmas, namely sharing God’s gift and to sacrifice with others.

Peace

Dr Agyeman-Rawlings reminded the church members of their roles as guardians of the environment and protectors of peace, and urged them to play their roles well in order to ensure peace in the upcoming elections.

“I believe the message of peace is not only very timely, but one of self-respect, mutual respect, one where the respect of peace and fairness, inclusivity and justice are so important because our elections are supposed to be just another step in our governance journey, and shouldn't be a showstopper.

“I believe that if we can carry out into the community the levels of peace, mutual respect and discipline that we all believe that Jesus lived by, that we follow, I am quite certain that this election should be a peaceful and a free and fair one,” the MP for the Korle Klottey Constituency said.