Xmas messages: Let’s put Ghana first!!… clergy tasks citizenry as New Year approaches

President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops Con­ference, Most Reverend Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, said as a secular nation that recognised the right of all citizens to practise any religion and to freely belong to any polit­ical party of their choice, we urge all Ghanaians to respect our Con­stitution and avoid any attempt to engage in a “politics of religion”.

He said Christmas is a period to live in peace with all for us Chris­tians, Christ is the Prince of Peace spoken of by the Prophet Isaiah (Isaiah (9:6). At Christ’s birth, the angels spoke of peace: “Glory to God in the highest, and peace, on earth, to those whom God loves.” (Lk. 2:14).

Most Rev. Gyamfi who is also the Bishop of Sunyani Archdi­ocese said “Let us therefore as Ghanaians build a family that tran­scends political divisions as well as religious and ethnic boundaries,” he said.

“Our various cultural differences should serve as means of enrich­ing us and not dividing us on any front, whether religious, political or ethnic,” he added.

The General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, Ghana, Reverend Dr Stephen Wengam stressed the need to thank God for all His goodness.

“In the midst of the holiday hustle, let’s take a moment to appreciate the simple pleasures that surround us – the laughter of family, the joy of friendship, and the beauty of traditions that weave the tapestry of our lives,” he said.

He urged Christians to celebrate the Christmas in moderation. “Let us not lose our focus because Christmas is not about getting drunk and wasting resources.

Rev. Wengam advised Christians to forgive one another and live in peace, stressing that “It is about giving and forgiving (for Jesus was given to us so we could be forgiven); a time of sharing (for the wise men shared); a time to receive a prophecy (for several prophecies were fulfilled); a time of taking stock (for there was a population census); a time of safety (for the baby Jesus and the family received protection from God).”

Presiding Bishop – African Methodist Episcopal Zion (A.M.E) Church, Rt Rev. Dr Hilliard K. Dela Dogbe on his part said Christmas was not only the com­memoration of the birth of Christ as a baby in the manger, but also more importantly Christmas was a solemn reminder of his anticipated return as a judge of the world.

“A time for accountability. This Christmas, each of us must remember that irrespective of the office we hold and the place we occupy within our social setup, we are all stewards entrusted with the breath of life, skills and capabili­ties, and resources of all kinds,” he added.

This Christmas, each of us must remember that irrespective of the office we hold and the place we occupy within our social setup, we are all stewards entrusted with the breath of life, skills and capabil­ities, and resources of all kinds. At a point in time, each shall be called to give account of how well he/she has utilised the resources placed at our disposal.

The Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, Most Rev. Dr Paul Kwabena Boafo said Christians should live and work in peace during and after the season.

“Christmas celebration is a sea­son to work for peace and justice for the world. Christ the Prince of Peace comes to make his home among and within us,” he added.

He urged political leaders and their followers to be circumspect in their utterances, they should address issues instead of resorting to insult, intemperate language and inflaming passions for conflict.