Accra, Dec.25, GNA - Pope Benedict XVI, has reminded Christians that Christmas was much more than the season of Santa Claus and sugar plums and it was also God's answer to mankind's yearning for peace. He said Bethlehem: "is a city-symbol of peace in the Holy Land in the whole world and that it does not represent an achieved and stable peace, but rather a peace that is laboriously sought and awaited". The Pope's statement on Christmas, made available to GNA on Christmas day, noted that the prophecies regarding the town of Judea in the book of Micah, which foretell a "mysterious birth", the Holy Father spoke of the "divine plan that includes and explains the times and places of the coming of the son of God into the world".

Pope Benedict called on mankind to welcome the newborn messiah and follow God's plan faithfully.

He said: "Even if we do not fully understand it, let us entrust ourselves to his wisdom and goodness. Let us first seek the kingdom of God and providence will help us".

In Nima, Accra, Reverend Father William Abaiku Apprey, Assistant Priest of St. Kizito Catholic Church, told the congregation in a sermon that Christmas was about the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ to redeem the world from sin.

He said since the coming of Jesus Christ has bridged the gab between the Saints and sinners irrespective of sex, religion or ethnicity, unity and peace should be the ultimate goal of mankind.

Rev. Apprey asked Christians not to focus on themselves alone but on Jesus Christ and other people including non-Christians when celebrating Christmas, to enable them to inherit the kingdom of God. Mr. Joseph Asumang Gyesaw, Chairman of St.Kizito Parish Pastoral Council, called on Christians to ensure peace and progress in society as they observed Christmas.

He stressed that: "we must re alize that life is like the waiting room of the medical doctor. All of us have our ailments and anxieties and we must wait for Christ to come into our lives and give us spiritual cure and purity."

Mr.Gyesaw said that because God so loved the world, that sent his begotten son to save those who were prepared to enter into God's kingdom. He advised Christians to celebrate the event peacefully and avoid drinking alcohol and other anti-social activities. Peter Tetteh, President of St. Kizito Parish Youth Council, asked the youth to let the joy of Christmas reflect in their lives.