Christmas is not a pagan festival - Rt. Rev Forson

The celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ annually on December 25, is not the Christianalization of the pagan winter celebration.

Right Reverend Thomas Brown Forson, Tema Diocesan Bishop, Methodist Church, Ghana, stated on Friday during a thanksgiving service organized by the Tema Development Corporation (TDC)

Rt. Rev Forson said the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ replaced the worship of the pagan sun god on that day and did not whitewash it.

He said December 25, was selected by the early Christians to observe the birth of Jesus Christ to substitute the pagan worship as a way of preventing Christians from partaking in such worships.

He noted that it was unfortunate that people misinterpret the celebration of Christmas adding that some church leaders also have doctrinal problems with the date.

The Bishop said before the fourth century, the birth of Jesus Christ was not celebrated because there were no records on the exact day of his birth.

He urged the public especially Christians to use the period to emulate Christ's sacrifice and lifestyle.

Rt Rev Forson also called for reconciliation, commitment, unity and stewardship among workers of TDC as well as all Ghanaians.

Mr Joe Abbey, Managing Director of TDC, said most of its major projects including the Kpone Affordable Housing project, community two business complexes and the regeneration of site three were all nearing completion.

Mr Abbey said the Kpone Affordable area would be renamed Community 26 next year when the first row of houses are completed.

He said cabinet has approved the TDC's proposal to become a limited liability company to enable it go beyond its acquisition area which is currently without land.

The MD said with the approval, the process would be completed with the Ministry of Finance for the full takeoff next year.

The Corporation used the occasion to honour long service workers and retirees. Special awards sponsored by the MD were also presented to outstanding workers from all the departments of the Corporation.