Accra, Dec 25, GNA – Today, December 25, marks another joyous Christmas in Ghana.
Christmas is an annual Christian holiday celebrated on December 25 to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, whom Christians believe to be the Son of God.
Over time, it has also evolved into a major cultural and secular celebration worldwide, observed by many non-Christians.
Across the country, church services and numerous social activities will mark the day.
While some traders have noted a shift towards more cautious spending this year, the “December in GH” spirit remains alive with musical concerts, theatre festivals, family gatherings, reunions, gift sharing and donations planned for the season.In various Christmas messages ahead of the festivities, the clergy have made passionate appeals for the nation to return to the core meaning of the season.
Apostle Dr Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, and other heads of major denominations have cautioned against the “commercialisation” of the holiday.
“Christmas must move beyond mere celebration to inspire ethical leadership and compassion,” they urged.
“We must resist efforts to remove Christ from the consciousness of humanity and instead allow His message of peace and reconciliation to guide our national life,” Apostle Nyamekye said.
The Christian Council of Ghana reminded the faithful that Christ is the “reason for the season,” urging Ghanaians to let His life influence every endeavour – from family life to public discourse and governance.
As the nation navigates a significant political and economic period, some leaders have emphasised the need for national cohesion.
President John Dramani Mahama, in his first Christmas message since returning to office, urged Ghanaians to draw strength from one another. He stressed that the “hope of Christmas” should fuel the collective task of rebuilding the economy.
Religious and civil society leaders, including the Frimpong-Manso Institute, have also called for tolerance and cooperation, noting that Ghana’s peace architecture remains a beacon of stability in the West African sub-region.
The theme of “sacrificial giving” has been recurring, with calls to reach out to the vulnerable, orphans and the “stranger in our gates.”
Amid the festivities, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the National Road Safety Authority have issued strong alerts to the public.
To ensure the holidays do not end in tragedy, motorists and pedestrians have been urged to avoid the “Four Destructive S’s”:
Speeding, Somnolence (tiredness), Substances (alcohol/drugs) and Shoddy overtaking.
Passengers are also encouraged to “speak up” against reckless driving.Health experts have cautioned against excessive consumption of food and alcohol.
The Ministry of Health reminded the public: “Your life is precious to the nation,” urging moderation to avoid sudden health complications during the yuletide.
For Christians, Christmas marks the event in which God became human, born as a helpless baby in a stable.
The Incarnation is a key moment in the story of salvation and is understood as the beginning of an act of divine love for humanity that culminates in Christ’s death and Resurrection at Easter.
According to Britannica encyclopaedia, December 25 was first identified as the date of Jesus’ birth by Sextus Julius Africanus in 221 and later became universally accepted.
One explanation for the origin of this date is that December 25 was chosen to Christianise the dies solis invicti nati (“day of the birth of the unconquered sun”), a Roman holiday celebrating the winter solstice as a symbol of the sun’s resurgence and the heralding of spring and summer.
The Church in Rome began formally celebrating Christmas on December 25 in 336, during the reign of Emperor Constantine.
As Constantine had made Christianity the effective religion of the empire, some believed that choosing this date had the political motive of weakening established pagan celebrations, according to the Britannica.
GNA
Edited by Beatrice Asamani Savage