By Desmond Cudjoe & Marie Aziz Tunde
The Twin-City Radio of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation in Sekondi has held a Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols to usher in the Christmas Festivities.
It was on the theme, “Emmanuel, God is with Us”.
History of Carols:
Christians of the earlier time started the celebration of Christmas and started singing carols during Christmas instead of pagan solstice. During 129, the tradition of singing the song, known as “Angels Hymns” started in Rome sung during the Christmas service. After that, a famous Christmas hymn was written by the Comas who came from Jerusalem during 760.
This was for the Orthodox church of the Greeks. And, a series of other Christmas carols came into existence that were all written in Europe. Fast forward, today carols services are held in most countries as part of activities ushering in the birth of Christ.
It is often referred to as the festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, which is the reading of scripture and singing songs about the birth of Christ. Often the occasion is also used to offer thanks to God for his protection through the year and his faithfulness towards Humans.
Twin City Radio Carols:
In attendance were the Bethel Junior Choir, Mozzama Youth Choir and the Boboobor Group of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. The first lesson was read by the Western Regional Director of the GBC, Mr. Alfred Osmond Hughes.
Other readers were Mrs. Sweety Sowah of the Legal Aid Commission, Mr. Emmanuel Reinfred Okyere of the National Health Insurance Authority, Dr. Nana Esi Gaisie of the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital and the Head of Programmes of the Twin-City Radio, Miss Linda Akoto.
In a homily, the Superintendent Minister of the Anaji Circuit of the Methodist Church, the Very Reverend Kwame Ghartey called on Christians to emulate the character of Joseph by finding peaceful and respectable ways of resolving problems that will not end up disgracing others. He added that, when offended as a Christian, it should not be used as an avenue to payback, but rather an opportunity to demonstrate the spirit of forgiveness as exemplified by Jesus Christ.
The Western Regional Director of the GBC, Mr Alfred Hughes said Christmas must be commemorated by showing love to one another and the pursuit of reconciliation. ”Where there is unity, there certainly is progress”, and therefore entreated the Staff of the Corporation to be united.
Twin City Carols Committee
The event was spearheaded by a Four-Member Committee headed by Madam Felicia Dawood.
The committee also sought support from some business partners of the Corporation including the Lower Pra Rural Bank, First Samuel Enterprise, God is Love Chop Bar, Abukwa Pharmacy, and Lawyer Fiifi Buckman.
The event was opened to residents of Sekondi-Takoradi in the Western Region. They were treated to a Christmas buffet, music and people had the opportunity to meet and greet with their favourite On-Air Presenters and other Staff of Twin City Radio.
