Former President John Dramani Mahama has wished all Ghanaians a happy Easter occasion.
Today is Good Friday, a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary.
In a post on his X platform to mark the occasion, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) said “May the love of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, always bring heavenly joy and holy desires to your heart. Wishing you a blessed Good Friday.”
May the love of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, always bring heavenly joy and holy desires to your heart.
Wishing you a blessed #GoodFriday.#HappyEaster #LetsBuildGhanaTogether pic.twitter.com/VnHpazQikE
— John Dramani Mahama (@JDMahama) March 29, 2024
Also to mark the day, President Akufo-Addo has wished all Ghanaians Happy Easter.
In his Easter message posted on Facebook, the President wrote, “On behalf of my beautiful wife, Rebecca, my children and family, and on behalf of Government, I wish all Ghanaians a Happy Easter, with the hope that the blood spilled on the cross will heal our land, and cleanse us of our iniquities.”
President also used the opportunity to caution Ghanaians to mark the season with caution.
“In this season, let us drive carefully on the roads, and keep the nation in our prayers at all times. So, let us, again, enjoy our Easter Conventions, parties and picnics, and the traditional Kwahu Easter festivities,” he urged.
“May the celebration of the Crucifixion and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ give birth to a new season of faith, hope, growth, prosperity, reconciliation and sacrifice for everybody in our beloved country and in the world,” President Akufo-Addo added.
Relevance of Easter: Embracing a season of renewal, rebirth and hope | 3News
What does Easter signify?
According to Christianity.com, Easter is a yearly Christian celebration honouring the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
It is traditionally observed on the first Sunday following the initial full moon after the vernal equinox, with its timing determined by specific tables aligned with the Gregorian calendar in Western churches and the Julian calendar in Orthodox churches.
It is also known as Easter Sunday, the day dedicated to commemorating this festival.
Christians celebrate Easter as a way to remember how the New Testament of the Bible describes Jesus Christ’s bodily resurrection.
Christian doctrine holds that Jesus was crucified on Good Friday and resurrected from the grave three days later, on Easter Sunday, signifying His victory over sin and death.
The New Testament narratives state that Easter Sunday started with the breaking of dawn, following Jesus’ mournful crucifixion on Good Friday.
The ladies who had accompanied Jesus, such as Salome, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, went to the tomb where Jesus had been laid as the sun rose.
When they got there, they found the tomb empty and the stone rolled aside from the entrance.
This momentous discovery was accompanied by the appearance of angels who proclaimed the astounding news: “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said” (Matthew 28:6).
In the accounts in the New Testament, as we may have heard from our Sunday school teachers, bus preachers, or televangelists, the women were so filled with amazement and astonishment that they hurried to tell the disciples the amazing news.
It added that Mary Magdalene saw Jesus himself close to the tomb, and subsequently so did the other disciples.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, signifying the fulfillment of God’s plan for redemption and offering believers the promise of eternal life.
It is a day of immense joy and hope, as Christians celebrate the victory of light over darkness, life over death, and the triumph of God’s love for humanity.
Easter Sunday serves as a profound reminder of the transformative power of faith and the enduring message of hope that resonates throughout the ages.
What is the relevance of Easter?
The occasion of Easter also connotes Jesus Christ’s victory over death. For those who believe in Him, eternal life is a gift of His resurrection.
Easter serves as a reminder that all Jesus taught and preached during His thirty-three-year career has been fully validated.
He would have been regarded as just another teacher or prophet if He had not risen from the grave or had merely passed away without being raised from the grave.
Christians believe all of that was refuted by His resurrection, which offered definitive evidence that He was the Son of God and that He had triumphed over death once and for all. Thus, assuring the believer of life after death!
Season of renewal and hope
Easter is a time of profound spiritual significance, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and the promise of eternal life for all who believe.
Despite its religious connotations, Easter holds a universal appeal, inviting people of all faiths and backgrounds to embrace the themes of renewal and hope that define the season.
Easter is a time for reflection and spiritual introspection, as believers contemplate the profound implications of Christ’s resurrection and its significance for their own lives.
It is a time to reaffirm one’s faith, to seek forgiveness and reconciliation, and to embrace the transformative power of grace and redemption.
In addition to its spiritual tone, Easter is also a time for joyful gatherings and shared meals with family and friends.
Whether it’s a festive Easter dinner, a traditional lamb roast, or a simple picnic in the park, the holiday provides an opportunity to come together in fellowship and celebration, strengthening bonds and creating cherished memories.
As you enjoy the holiday (Holy Day), remember the reason for the season and make the most of it!
By Laud Nartey
