Ghanaians were on Christmas day advised against excessive merry-making during the yuletide season as it’s an opportune period to soberly reflect on the relevance of the birth of Christ.

The Reverend Fizgerald Odonkor, Head Pastor of Harvest International Ministries stated in an interview with Ghana News Agency after Christmas service which was dedicated to the children department of the church.

He said although it was good to make merry and exchange gifts during Christmas to foster social cohesion, its real essence should not be thrown under the carpet.

He said Christmas was a period that must be celebrated vis-à-vis the demonstration of real values that the church upheld as a body of Christ.

"We must avoid all ungodly acts that stand contrary to the precepts of the church and dent the image of Christ," he stated.

Rev. Odonkor also called on Ghanaians to pray unceasingly for the sustainability of the current peace the country was enjoying.

He said the democratic path the country had chosen was still at a fledgling state and that it would take a continuous and constant supplication for it to thrive.

During the service children, aged between one and 18 took charge of proceedings including leading worship, song ministration, poetry recitals, choreography, sharing message of Christmas as the main congregation took the backstage.

The children mostly dressed in nice attire were a delight to watch as they innocently acted and sang Christmas songs.

Across the country the period is being marked with church services, picnics, get-together and family re-unions as well as exchange of messages of reconciliation and good wishes from friends and relatives.

This demonstrates the season's core message of peace on earth and goodwill towards all men.