Greatness and humility essence of Christmas - Prof Dickson

Accra, Dec. 18, GNA - Merry-making must not be allowed to overshadow the true essence of the birth of Jesus Christ, which represented a combination of greatness and humility.

The Right Reverend Professor Kwesi Dickson, Former President of the All African Conference of Churches, on Friday pointed out that Christmas featured virtues such as visiting friends and the exchange of gifts. "Today it's unfortunate that we have put these things side by side the celebration of Christmas, commercialising it and forgetting its true meaning," he said.

Giving a sermon at a Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols organised by the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Rev. Prof. Dickson said, "astonishing events such as the birth of Jesus in the manger and being wrapped in swaddling clothes and yet remaining great and humble tells us that his story is an extraordinary one".

He said it was unfortunate that the history of Africa had been dominated with leaders who knew only ruling and not service in humility. "Greatness is service and we must all aspire to attain this combination of greatness, humility and service for good of mankind and our nation," he said.

In her Christmas and New year's message titled "Peace on Earth and Joy to All mankind", Mrs Irene Duncan-Adanusa, General Secretary, GNAT, expressed the hope that whatever turbulence that came one's way during the year would be calmed by peace.

She commended Ghanaians for moving with singleness and tenacity of purpose to hold on and guard jealously the peace of the country, adding, "This was explicitly displayed during the Presidential and Parliamentary Elections".

"As individuals let us focus on our positive capabilities and vow to improve upon present achievements in the New Year".

"Let us put aside past irritants and rather from such experience gather more knowledge, courage and confidence to face the challenges of the year 2005," she said.

Choral groups comprising teachers and students sang a variety of Christmas carols and local gospel songs interspersed with readings from the Holy Bible.