The Most Rev. Anthony Narh Asare, Auxiliary Bishop of Accra, has urged Christians to move beyond the commercialisation of Christmas and instead reflect the true meaning of the season through charity, humility, and simple acts of love.
Speaking during the Christmas Day Mass at the Mary Mother of Good Counsel Catholic Church on Thursday, December 25, 2025, Bishop Asare reminded the congregation that Christmas celebrates the Incarnation of God becoming man through the birth of Jesus Christ, which is a mystery rooted in sacrifice rather than luxury.
“The Christmas story is known to all of us. It is a reminder that God became man among us,” the bishop said. “Christmas for you and for me is God who is love coming among us to share this love by way of charity.”
Using the analogy of birthday celebrations, Bishop Asare explained that while birthdays are joyful occasions, they also recall moments of intense pain and risk, especially for mothers during childbirth. He described birth as a “do-or-die moment,” urging Christians to remember and honour their parents when celebrating life.
“When you celebrate your birthday, especially remember your mother,” he said. “That day is actually theirs. You didn’t know what was happening.”
Bishop Asare expressed concern that Christmas is now widely celebrated across the world for the wrong reasons. He noted that many non-Christian countries decorate extensively and profit economically from the season, while Christians themselves often lose focus on its spiritual meaning.
“Many of us accept Christmas for commercial reasons,” he observed. “But we who are Christians must carry the true meaning.”
He also cautioned against excessive decoration without spiritual preparation, pointing out that the simplicity of the manger is often replaced with elaborate displays that distract from the message of Christ’s humble birth.
“Christmas has become fashionable, but it’s not meant to be so,” he said, adding that Christ was born not in comfort but in simplicity.
Drawing imagery from winter celebrations in Europe, Bishop Asare likened the world today to a cold and harsh environment filled with suffering, uncertainty, and hardship. He said Christians are called to be small but well-arranged lights that bring hope and warmth to society.
“Our world is cold, windy, and dusty,” he said. “But the Christmas light brings life to a bad season. You and I should be that light.”
Looking ahead to the year 2025, the bishop challenged the faithful to reflect on their actions and priorities. He encouraged them to focus less on receiving gifts and more on giving to others.
“Don’t go about asking, ‘Where is my Christmas gift?’” he urged. “Rather, give to others. It is the little things we do, putting a smile on somebody’s face, that show Christ among us.”
He concluded by calling on Christians to express the love of Christ through practical charity, praying for God’s blessings upon all, and wishing the congregation a joyful Christmas.
“Make somebody happy,” Bishop Asare said. “That is Christ amongst us.”
By: Vanessa Kekeli Yeboah//Newswatchgh.com
