Wishing Ghanaians fruitful Yuletide
Do you feel Christmas in the air with only six days to go? As the very important festival that celebrates the symbolic birth of the Prince of Peace draws closer, there are many ways Ghanaians are going to celebrate the season. Some will mark the occasion with sober reflections on the sacred birth of Christ; a reflection on the cause for which Jesus Christ was born and for which he sacrificed his precious life for the good of mankind.
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Others will also troop to church for services, while many others will engage in exchange of gifts and parties, all in the name of celebrating Christmas and the coming New Year.
Gradually, the festivities are also becoming highly commercialised on all fronts. Already, the nation’s capital, Accra, in particular, is witnessing heavy vehicular traffic and an upsurge in commercial activities.
While there should be no tongue-lashing about the upsurge in commercial activities and the added colour to the celebrations, for the season of Christmas to be meaningful, there is the need for moderate celebrations.
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Essence of Christmas
Sometimes, it is worrying how mankind has shifted the focus of Christmas from its real reason, which is essentially to have a sober reflection on what the birth of Christ means and the everlasting hope it holds for the world.
Some critics have even described Christmas as a celebration embedded in a pagan tradition. In some instances, the socio-economic challenges that people go through tend to make them less appreciative of the goodness of God in their lives, talk less of observing Christmas as the birth of Jesus Christ — one of the most revered religious leaders in history.
However, regardless of any adversity and difficulties in 2017, Christmas is universally accepted as a time to share and give thanks to God. This is because despite our sins and weaknesses, the birth of Christ brought salvation to mankind. This, in many ways, is considered to be the most profound act by God which demonstrates His everlasting love and kindness towards mankind.
To ensure that each and everyone has a feel of the festive season, there is the need for us, as a nation, to endeavour to extend a hand of support to the vulnerable and less privileged in society. After all, Christmas is a time to share with and live in peace with one another.
The relative peace and stability alone that the country continues to enjoy over the period must also be enough reason and motivation why as a nation we must be thankful to mark the birth of Christ.
Therefore, as Ghanaians, we must continue to sustain the peace the country is currently enjoying.
New Year
Gradually and steadily, as the year 2017 comes to an end, many Ghanaians are getting ready to say goodbye and welcome the New Year, 2018, with a fulfilling hope.
Notwithstanding the socio-economic challenges encountered during the year 2017, there is very good reason to celebrate the coming Yuletide.
We all have a collective responsibility to bring unity and love to this nation by working towards good and sustainable social policies that will enable the deprived and vulnerable in society to benefit freely and enjoy this season.
We must also use the occasion to re-examine our actions and inaction which in one way or another have contributed to the numerous challenges facing the nation. Challenges of corruption, greed and selfishness must give way to a season of honesty and goodwill to all men and women. There is the need for Ghanaians to show more commitment to the fight against corruption and other social ills as the country welcomes another New Year.
Peace-loving nation
Once again, let us, as a nation, prove to the whole world that Ghana is a peace-loving country and use this present time to unite our ranks.
In doing so, Ghanaians must learn to forgive, be tolerant of one another’s view, show generosity and live peacefully during the Yuletide and ahead of the New Year.
It is important for Ghanaians not to give up but hold fast to God in prayer and pursue peace before and after the festive season.
Let us do our best to guard the peace from God that our country has been noted for within the sub-region.
The Ghanaian society will be undermining the spirit of the festivities if they fail to extend a hand to the under-privileged during the Christmas time and beyond. It should be a period in which we forgive those who have wronged us.
Whiles this column is breaking till January ending 2018, I wish all Ghanaians a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year in advance.