PEACE, GOODWILL TO ALL (Published Dec 24, 2007)

TOMORROW marks the birth of Jesus Christ, an occasion cherished in Christendom and the world at large because of its Christian and social significance.
Christians, as usual, will fill the churches to give thanks to God for giving them the saviour and the accompanying blessings.
The occasion generally offers an opportunity to mankind to demonstrate goodwill towards one another.
This show of fellow-feeling or affection fits into the scriptures because the angels proclaimed the birth of Jesus Christ by praising God and saying, "Glory be to God in the highest and on earth peace and goodwill towards men".
Basically, according to Christian teachings, Jesus came on a salvage mission to save mankind from their sins.
Christmas, therefore, is supposed to be a very significant or important occasion to those who have accepted God's plan of salvation for mankind in order to have a sober reflection on their lives and rededicate themselves to the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The good news is that despite its commercialisation in recent times, coupled with its appendages of overcrowding in the city centres due to more people shopping at this time, heavy traffic jams, rise in pick-pocketing and other social vices, as well as the rise in the cost of living, the significance of Christmas, particularly the benefit of the birth of Jesus Christ, has not been lost on Christians.
In fact, in spite of the marketing and advertising gimmicks that appear to have clouded the essence of Christmas, its true spirit, which comprises goodwill, peace, compassion, love, harmony, giving and reconciliation, will still be showcased during the Christmas holidays.
This evening and tomorrow, worshippers will fill the churches to capacity to receive the blessings God has in store for them.
Ghanaians are celebrating this year's Christmas amidst challenges such as rising crude oil prices, rising cost of living and lack of job opportunities, although the country has achieved some modest gains since it returned to democratic rule since 1993.
The Daily Graphic wishes to appeal to the diverse leadership of the country - political, industry, educational and family - and each and every Ghanaian to put in our best individually to form the collective efforts needed to address such problems as rising cost of electricity, water and other social services and the inadequacy of the resources to provide these services.
For us Ghanaians, this year's Christmas is on the eve of an election year, and as is the case of an election year, 2008 would in one way or other stretch our tolerance levels to their elastic limits.
The Daily Graphic wishes to appeal to all political parties to abide by the election principles and also channel grievances to the appropriate quarters for redress, to avoid violence, chaos, pain and a failed state, where individual rights and freedoms are difficult to guarantee.
Let all the parties demonstrate healthy rivalry and rapport, since they all have the ultimate goal of a better Ghana.
Let the gift of Jesus Christ touch our hearts to extend goodwill and love to all Ghanaians. The Daily Graphic wishes all Ghanaians, particularly our numerous readers, a MERRY CHRISTMAS!