Latter-day Saints’ ‘Miracle of Christmas’ Unites Ghana’s Faith, Culture and Leadership in Call for National Cohesion
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has hosted its annual Light the World – The Miracle of Christmas celebration, bringing together Members of Parliament, religious authorities, traditional rulers, opinion leaders and hundreds of invited guests for an evening that reaffirmed Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of peace, tolerance and shared spiritual values.
Held under the theme Experience His Light, the 2025 edition blended sacred music, interfaith goodwill messages and reflections from national and faith leaders. The result was a powerful call for unity, compassion, humility and moral leadership rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Presided over by Elder Adeyinka A Ojediran, First Counselor in the Africa West Area Presidency, the event featured uplifting performances from Harmonious Chorale, the 100 Voices Project, the Abura Ghana Stake Choir from Cape Coast, the Transcendent Choir, Kokui Serlomey, the Macedonia Methodist Junior Choir and other celebrated ensembles. Their choral pieces, hymns and carols set a deeply reverent tone for the night.
Tourism Minister Calls for Gratitude and Revival of Traditional Acts of Giving
Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie delivered one of the evening’s most heartfelt messages, blending humour, personal testimony and national pride.
She recalled how the Church supported her constituency during the 2021 tidal waves and Volta River Authority spill, saying her presence was an act of gratitude.
“I came tonight because gratitude demands action. When people stand with you in your most difficult moments, you show up for them too,” she said.
Madam Gomashie encouraged Ghanaians to revive traditional acts of kindness, including sharing food, caring for the vulnerable and supporting one another beyond Christmas. She praised the interfaith nature of the event, noting that its music, prayers and messages reflected a shared national desire for flourishing communities and a united, peaceful Ghana.
Elder Ojediran Highlights Christmas as the Gift of Peace and Redemption
Delivering the main spiritual message, Elder Ojediran described Christmas as a celebration of the greatest gift ever given – the birth of Jesus Christ.
He reminded attendees that Christ’s life brings hope, redemption and comfort in tribulation.
“Even when we are faced with afflictions and tribulations, we can trust in Him because He descended below all things,” he said.
He encouraged forgiveness, kindness and compassion as core expressions of Christian discipleship and praised Ghana’s religious freedom, noting the presence of Muslim, Traditional, Methodist, Presbyterian and other faith representatives.
He also highlighted the Church’s Light the World initiative, which invites daily acts of kindness throughout December as a practical expression of discipleship.
Chief Imam’s Office Praises Ghana’s Interfaith Harmony
Representing the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu celebrated more than a decade of friendship between the Muslim community and the Church. He described the event as a symbol of “unity in diversity” at a time when many parts of the world face religious conflict.
“Ghana is an excellent example of a nation where people of different faiths can meet, sit at the same table and protect the peace of their country,” he said.
He urged all faith traditions to uphold compassion, honesty, ethical consciousness and service to humanity.
Traditional Authority Links Christmas Humility with African Leadership
Abola Mantse, Nii Ahele Nunoo III, offered a philosophical reflection connecting African traditional leadership with the humility of Jesus Christ.
“The King of Kings arrived not in a palace but in the quiet humility of a manger. This is a wisdom that resonates deeply within the soul of chieftains,” he said.
He praised the Church’s respect for continuing revelation and affirmed that African tradition and restored Christianity can work together to build communities grounded in dignity and love.
Terkper Calls for Moral Leadership Anchored in Integrity and Faith
Special Advisor to the President on the Economy, Seth Terkper, speaking for the Chief of Staff, delivered a civic reflection on leadership.
“Leadership without faith becomes mechanical. Leadership with faith becomes purposeful,” he said.
He noted that values celebrated at the event , integrity, sacrifice, fairness and kindness are shared principles essential for national development. He likened the lighting ceremony to the role of leaders in society: “Light does not compete with other lights; it empowers them.”
Lighting Ceremony Symbolises Shared National Hope
The evening concluded in the courtyard where Church leaders, dignitaries and invited guests switched on the Christmas lights. The illumination symbolised Christ’s light, Ghana’s interfaith harmony and a shared national hope for peace and goodwill in the coming year.
The 2025 Miracle of Christmas once again demonstrated Ghana’s unique ability to blend faith, culture and civic values into a celebration that strengthens social cohesion and reminds citizens of their responsibility to be sources of light in their communities.
