The General Superintendent of Assemblies of God Ghana, Reverend Stephen Wengam, has shared a heartfelt Christmas message, reflecting on the significance of the season and the state of the nation. In his statement, Rev. Wengam acknowledged the divine orchestration that has seen the year come full circle and the arrival of Christmas once again.
Rev. Wengam emphasized that Christmas represents a time of joy, a moment to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, which marked a pivotal point in God’s redemptive plan for humanity. He reminded Christians and Ghanaians alike to celebrate with joy but with moderation and caution to avoid financial strain post-celebration. The message also called on individuals to show love not only to their families and fellow Christians but to everyone—friends, colleagues, neighbors, and even political opponents—especially the poor and vulnerable in society.
Reflecting on the nation’s journey over the past year, Rev. Wengam expressed gratitude for God’s goodness despite the tough economic challenges faced by Ghanaians. He noted the nation’s economic recovery and the divine intervention that saw Ghana through the difficult and tense elections, despite regrettable incidents of violence, arson, and looting. These acts, he stated, tarnish Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa and should be swiftly and firmly addressed.
Rev. Wengam also called for reforms in the electoral system, urging measures to increase transparency, accountability, and security, particularly in the collation and declaration of results. He highlighted the need for a deep reflection on the diminishing democratic dividends and voter apathy in order to ensure a more participatory democracy that responds to the needs of the people.
The General Superintendent concluded by encouraging all Ghanaians to find strength and joy in the Lord this Christmas and beyond.
Below is the full statement from Rev. Stephen Wengam:
Christmas Message from the General Superintendent of Assemblies of God Ghana, Rev. Stephen Wengam
By divine orchestration, the year has gone full circle, and Christmas is here with us again. The birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, about two thousand years ago, was an opportunity for God the Father to show His love and enact His redemptive plan for humanity with a majestic flourish.
Unquestionably, Christmas is a time for joy—pure joy, joy unconfined. In our joyous mood, however, we must inject moderation and circumspection into the celebration so that we don’t impose avoidable financial burden on ourselves thereafter.
Christmas also obliges us to demonstrate love for our families, fellow Christians, non-Christians, friends, colleagues, seniors, juniors, bosses, subordinates, neighbors, political allies and opponents, and countrymen and women in general. The foremost targets should be the poor and vulnerable in our midst, communities, and deprived parts of the country.
While we make merry and show love to others, it is imperative to count our blessings, and reflect on our lives as individuals and nation. In a nutshell, God has been good to us, no matter our circumstances.
In the face of bitingly bitter economic challenges, He lavished His grace on us. And today, our economy is on an upswing. Again, the mighty arm of God was profoundly manifest in seeing Ghana through the high-stake, tension-packed, and suspicion-laden elections. The loss of lives, the pockets of violence, the cases of arson, and the spree of looting are deeply regrettable and totally unacceptable. They are indeed an indelible stain on our reputation as a beacon of democratic accomplishment in Africa.
The ugly incidents and lingering tensions over election disputes call for swift and firm action against the offenders, irrespective of their political colours or partisan connections. Our electoral system also begs for urgent and far-reaching reforms, designed to inject more transparency, accountability, confidence, efficiency, and security, particularly in the collation and declaration of results.
Furthermore, we need to dig deep into, and address holistically, the causal factors for the diminishing democratic dividends and the attendant apathy among voters. This will help make Ghana’s democracy more participatory, and demonstrably responsive to the tangible needs and aspirations of the people.
May the joy of the Lord be our strength this Christmas and beyond.
