Govt, religious leaders wish Ghanaians well at Xmas
Religious leaders and the government have urged Ghanaians to use the Christmas and New Year festivities as avenues to forgive and reconcile with one another.
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They said in view of the rationale behind the birth of Christ, it was important for them to ensure peace, which was a prerequisite for national development.
For its part, the government called for moderation in the celebration of Christmas and the New Year to preserve lives.
“Government believes that after an exhaustive year filled with hard work and significant challenges, the occasion of Christmas gives cause for merry-making and rest,” it said.
A statement signed by Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, a Deputy Minister of Information and Media Relations, said even as Ghanaians marked the joyous season, “let us bear in mind that Christmas is a time of giving, which enjoins us to spare a thought for the underprivileged, the infirm, the destitute and those unfortunate to find themselves in prison”.
It said remembering those in need during Christmas would afford Ghanaians the opportunity to reflect on the bountiful blessings bestowed on them by God.
It expressed its gratitude to all Ghanaians who would be on duty to render essential services to the nation and would not celebrate Christmas with their families and loved ones, stressing that “your sacrifices at this time are very much appreciated by all”.
The statement expressed the hope that 2014 would usher in a period of greater success and prosperity for the nation.
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In a Christmas message, the Presiding Bishop of the Perez Chapel International, Bishop Charles Agyin Asare, entreated Ghanaians to use the Christmas season to eschew bitterness and allow God to rule in their lives, Sebastian Syme reports.
He said Christmas was for the time for reconciliation, peace and unity.
Bishop Agyin Asare advised motorists and pedestrians to avoid reckless driving and also do away with riotous celebration of the season.
He further advised the public to eat in moderation and desist from unhealthy eating behaviours, a phenomenon that characterises festive seasons.
For his part, the Head Pastor of the Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) in Accra, Rev Andy Yawson, underscored the need for the citizenry to make their Christian conviction reflect in their lives.
“We are a blessed nation, although we had some challenges, and the coming year will equally come with its own challenges and blessings. But as Christians, let us continue to make the teaching of Christ reign in us,” he told the Daily Graphic.
Forgiveness and Gratitude
The General Overseer of the Action Chapel International, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, urged Ghanaians to use the Yuletide to reflect, forgive others and reconcile with God, reports Seth J. Bokpe.
“Christmas should be a moment of reflection, forgiveness. Forgiveness is divine; unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting your enemy to die when the poison is in you and your enemy has not drunk it,” he stated.
“Unforgiveness is negative energy. Forgiveness is divine and it is uncommon. Forgiveness guarantees longevity. Unforgiveness will cut you short and kill you prematurely,” he said in an interview with the Daily Graphic.
The Archbishop spoke on a wide range of issues, including the need to be grateful to God for His mercies through the turbulent election petition period and an accident-free Christmas.
He challenged Christians to show gratitude, saying, “Ingratitude is one of the greatest sins of humanity. Ingratitude attracts a curse but gratitude makes you whole, guarantees more and gives longevity. Just say ‘thank you’ and remember people who have been good to you throughout the year and even those who were not nice. It is a season of goodwill.”
“It is all about goodwill as we remember the birth of Jesus, which changed the course of humanity for the better. It is a season of goodwill and so let’s show goodwill to the poor, the needy, orphans and widows who are struggling to cope with life,
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“At the end of the day, it is not how much we spent on ourselves while our next-door neighbour struggles to feed his children during the Yuletide. Put smiles on the faces of those in need and God will not forget you when your moment of need arises,” he said.
Peace building
The Moderator of the Global Evangelical Church, Rt Rev Dr Edem Tettey, also called on Ghanaians to make peace-building the centre of the Christmas celebrations.
“Jesus Christ is the centre of Christmas. He came to make peace. We need a peaceful atmosphere in which we can develop. Christmas is about peace. Let peace prevail. Let us push away party politics and let goodwill prevail this season,” he said.
He urged the police to be strict about law enforcement in order to reduce the carnage that came with Christmas celebrations.
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“Law enforcement will help us have peace and safety on our roads. If drivers and road users know that they can be apprehended and punished severely for carelessness, we shall have peace on our roads,” he added.
Thanks
Edmund Smith-Asante reports that in an end-of-year message to Ghanaians, Rt. Rev. Samuel N. Mensah, the President of the Full Gospel Church International, thanked the Lord for how far He had brought us as a people and a nation.
He admonished all to remember the reason and purpose of Christmas.
"The angel said, `Don't be afraid! I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone! Today your Saviour was born... He is Christ, the Lord ... Give glory to God in heaven, and on earth let there be peace among the people who please God." Luke 2:10-11, 14 (NCV)
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Christmas is a period to accept God’s gift of happiness, hope and, above all, harmony.
The Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Dr Opoku Onyinah, in a message, said, “Indeed, this year Ghana has had its fair share of challenges politically, economically and socially. In all these things, we are grateful to God for his sustaining grace,” writes Emelia Ennin Abbey
He said “during Christmas festivities we remember the reason for Christ’s birth and also those who contributed to the success of His mission on earth. One of such persons is Joseph, the human father of Jesus”.
He said the Bible said Joseph was a righteous person and when he saw that Mary was with child, he did not want to expose her to public shame.
That meant God chose a kind, gentle and good person to father His Son on earth here. If Joseph had not acknowledged the work of the Holy Spirit and had, out of lack of self-control, blown the news that Mary had gone out of wedlock to have a child, the concept of the virgin birth and incarnation would have been lost.
In this Christmas, he said, “You should let somebody acknowledge that you are a good person by exercising self-control over your anger, passion for drinking, smoking or any other vice that destroys you. Express love by giving gifts with a good heart to people. Live at peace with your spouse, children and other members of your family, as well as your neighbours. Always pursue goodwill with all men. Peace be unto you!”
Charles Andoh reports that the General Overseer of the Royal House Chapel International, Apostle-General Sam Korankye-Ankrah, was hopeful that the economy of Ghana would be better next year.
In his New Year message, he acknowledged the various political, social and economic challenges faced by the country this year and expressed the hope that the economy would be robust next year.
Despite the challenges, Apostle Ankrah said God had been merciful to the nation and urged Ghanaians to be hopeful for a better 2014.
As part of the church’s activities for this Christmas season, he said the church would feed and clothe orphans and the poor in society on December 26 and 27, while a party would be held for the youth in the church.