Christmas is about Christ, not merry-making - Methodist priest tells Christians
The Superintendent Minister in charge of the Reverend Ernest Bruce Memorial Methodist Church at Adabraka in Accra, Very Reverend Dr Asford Nii Yartey Quarcoo, has told Christians that Christmas is about Christ and not about merry-making, planning of activities and organising of events.
He has, therefore, challenged Christians to ask themselves whether they were living lives worthy of Christ and practising what Christ came to do on earth, urging them to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.
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9 Lessons and carols
Delivering a sermon at the church’s annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols in the church auditorium yesterday, Very Rev. Quarcoo questioned the motive of Christians who thronged churches always but lived wayward lifestyles which had nothing to do with the church.
“Christmas is about a person, a personality called Jesus Christ, it is not about programmes, it is not about events and activities; are we living the life and character of that person?” he asked.
He challenged Christians to give a new meaning to Christmas, and to lead exemplary lives that Christ lived while on earth to attract unbelievers back into the church.
The main event of nine lessons and carols featured the reading of Bible texts about the birth of Christ interspersed with songs of praise, hymns and carols from the Association of Methodist Church Choirs.
Peace in Ghana
The special guest of honour, Mr George Haldane Lutterodt, a former diplomat, called on Ghanaians not to take the peace currently being enjoyed for granted.
He tasked Ghanaians to give thanks to God for minimising the effects of the COVID-19 virus on the nation, stressing that the health crisis had had a more damaging menace on more advanced countries.
He said only unity could ensure the rapid development of the country, and challenged Christians to live good lives.
Mr Lutterodt praised the Association of Methodist Church Choirs for their melodious tunes, and pledged to sponsor them to perform across the globe.