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GNOMIC

FIRST WORD

THE GIFT OF

A Christian Youth Magazine

CHRISTMAS.

DEC/ JAN ‘18

ISSUE 05

THE GIFT OF CHRISTMAS.

Publisher and CEO | JOHN A. TURKSON Content Manager | PORTIA N. Y. SINTIM Editor-In-Chief | ARABA DAWSON-AMOAH Contributing Writers | PRISCILLA KYEI-BAFFOUR, AKOMA ESSUMAN, UFUOMA MAMOH, JOSEPH KYI NYAMISON, Financial Chief | KWASI KYEI-OFFEI Marketing Manager | CHARLES AZADAGLI Distribution Manager | LEROY DOTSE Creative Director | ROBERT KWAME-ARYEE Illustrator | ALBERT IDLAFF OFORI Designer | turkniQs Contributing Photographers | ROYAL Images

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given…”

- Isaiah 9:6

Publicity | KOBINA ESSILFIE-QUAYE DANIELLA AFLAKPUI

M

ary gave birth to a child; God gave us a son- His son. The child was not the gift, the son was.

Being the perfect gift of Christmas, He did not even come in extraordinary glittering wrappings, neither did He have the best security personnel protecting Him. His arrrival was not broadcast in space or via the ‘elite’ channels. It was a gift wrapped in swaddling clothes, secured in a manger and announced by angels-- The gift of a Son, the person of Jesus, the Christ.

He was hopeless

the Father’s and dying

gift of Love world (John

for a 3:16).

Though the event of Christmas is seasonal, its gift is not. His presence is there for us all year round.

A song writer once noted Jerusalem as the city that would be remembered for having no room for its King. Like any gift, one needs to receive it inorder to use it. It could also be rejected the same way

SUBSCRIBE gnomicmagazine/subscribe CONNECT WITH US @TheGnomicMag @gnomic_magazine @gnomic_magazine +233 (0)54 9556 975 Gnomic Magazine Korle-Bu, Accra Ghana

Herod rejected him and wanted to kill him. Bethlehem almost did not have room for Him. We should know better than to repeat some of these errors from the past.

After receiving this gift into our hearts, we begin unwrapping it and soon discover that the gift is Light.

The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; -

Isaiah 9:2

Wisemen saw the star and sought to find this gift. He is the light that gives hope in hopeless situations; light for this dark and perverse world, giving guidance and direction to all who seek him. Possessing this gift assures us of continual guidance, hope, and direction.

The gift is to be sought, worshipped and treasured by all.

Wisemen from the East sought this gift and today, wisemen still seek Jesus. Not only do the wise seek Jesus, they also worship Him with all their gifts and substance. We, unlike the wise men may not have to travel through mountainous terrains and deserts to find Him, but daily, we must yearn to have intimacy with him and crown Him Lord of all.

The gift is worth proclaiming to the ends of the world.

When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child -- Luke 2:18 Angels came to share in the joy of the world by announcing the arrival of this gift to the Shepherds. The shepherds in turn couldn’t keep this good news to themselves; they went forth into the world with joy to spread the news to all. Today, there are many people who see Christmas only as a festive occasion or national holiday. They may not know about the real gift of Christmas. Another Christmas is here with us. Let’s make use of this opportunity to tell the world about God’s priceless gift to mankind.

‘Joy to the world, Our savior is born The people who lived in darkness Have seen a great light Peace on earth and Goodwill to men.’

And so here we are, back again, wishing you all a Christlike Christmas and offering you the gift of Christ in your homes and hearts. It is our wish that you will get to know Him better and make Him known, keeping him at the fore front of His mass. You know, It’s CHRISTmas not X’mas; CHRIST IS THE GIFT. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Priscilla Kyei-Baffour Editor

A GHANAIAN IN SPAIN: CHRISTMAS EDITION Chantal Cleland

‘’Feliz Navidad’’, ‘Bon Nadal’, ‘Bo Nadal’, ‘Eguberri on’. This is how ‘Merry Christmas’ is said in four of the many dialects in Spain (Yes! there are other dialects spoken in Spain besides the well known Spanish, also known as ‘Castellano’. But that’s another topic for another time).

As a language student, I had the opportunity to spend my fourth year (2016/2017) outside the country as part of the syllabus (Year Abroad). I happened to spend mine in Spain, in the small historic town of Alcala de Henares in Madrid.

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This experience opened my eyes to the Iberian world of History, Culture, Literature, Art, Food and the likes, whilst studying of course. It was truly an unforgettable experience.

It all began with the Christmas fair at Plaza Cervantes, a trade-fair like atmosphere with a western Christmas touch, where everything from sweets and pastries to stuffed animals were sold.

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Since I lived with a host family, I had the privilege of experiencing the Spanish Christmas in a family setting. On Christmas eve or Noche Buena (Good night), extended family members from my host mother’s (Gloria) side came over for dinner. The dinner is done every Christmas Eve. Our meal comprised mainly of seafood, lamb and the famous dried ham (Jamon).

Let’s not forget the Giant Christmas tree in the middle, because...what is Christmas without a Christmas tree, right?

Our dinner was climaxed with a ton of desserts and a birthday cake as Gloria’s brother-in-law, Jesus (pronounced HAYSUS, yes interesting), celebrated his birthday at midnight. Soon after, we attended Midnight Mass.

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Saints) came on December 28. This is basically the Spanish equivalent of ‘April Fools Day’ On that day many pranks are carried out. Even the newspapers and TV stations take part in the celebrations by running silly stories. If you ever fell victim to a prank (as I was, unfortunately. I’ll not go into detail) your prankster jumps out and yells ‘’INOCENTE!’’ meaning ‘innocent one’. How cute!

On New year’s eve (Nochevieja or Old Night), we had dinner again. This time round we hosted my host father’s (Raimundo) family. On New years’ eve back home in Ghana, my family and I would usually prepare for Watch Night service. Clad in white, we’d all go to church to thank God for the year and usher in the new one. In Spain, we stayed at home. When we were given a bowl containing 12 grapes, my mind went back to my Level 300 Oral class.

Our Spanish lecturer, a Spanish native herself, once explained that on every New year’s eve, twelve grapes were eaten before the stroke of midnight.

Each grape represented a month of the year. This was done for good luck in the coming year (that is if you are able to eat all twelve grapesl before midnight).

It was a tradition I’d looked forward to since then. We sat before the television, watching a live broadcast of Nochevieja in Sol (Central Madrid), it wasn’t long before we had each gulped down twelve grapes. We ushered in the new year with hugs and happiness topped with glasses of champagne (juice for the kids though).

Catholism is the main religion in Spain.

I was therefore not surprised about the Midnight Mass or La Misa del Gallo (Mass of the Rooster). It’s called La Misa de Gallo because it is believed that a rooster crowed the night Jesus was born.

On our way back, we met people walking down the streets with torch lights, playing musical instruments, singing carols and making merry. There is a saying in spanish ;’Esta noche es Noche Buena, y no es noche de dormir.’ translated as ‘Tonight is christmas eve/ Good night and it’s not meant for sleeping’.

Christmas day finally came and all roads led to church, that is, after wishing friends and family well. The sermon was centered on Christ’s birth and the beginning of a love story between God and Man (All in Spanish of course).

Normally Boxing day (26th December) is the day set aside for the exchange and opening of gifts. However in Spain, this is done on the 6th of January, the Epiphany. I will explain later. El dia de los Santos Inocentes (Day of the Innocent DEC/JAN18

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January 6 was the day of Epiphany, also called El Dia de los Reyes Magos (The day of the three Magic Kings). This marks the day the three Wisemen brought gifts to baby Jesus. And just like ‘Boxing Day’, this is when gifts are exchanged.

Instead of the famous ‘Santa Claus’, here, it is believed that the three kings (Reyes Magos) are the ones who bring gifts to children. We also ate Roscon, a cake-like doughy pastry made with dried fruit and filled with cream.

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Looking back at the experience, I’m glad I got the opportunity to spend Christmas in a different culture. I look forward to similar experience in another country in the nearby future. This Christmas, if you ever find yourselves outside the country or in your hometown or on a family adventure, take complete advantage of the opportunity to learn as much as you can about how the festive occassion is celebrated there. You’ll be amazed.

I don’t know what the gift of Christmas is for you but for me (this year), it’s gaining a new perspective on things whilst embracing an important aspect of life; FAMILY. FELIZ NAVIDAD Y OS DESEO UN PROSPERO ANO NUEVO. Con tanto amor, Chantal

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AND THE BEAT GOES ON: CHRISTMAS CAROLS

Do you know carols have been in existence for some (what?) thousand years now? Yes. Well, not christmas carols. Carols were originally sung in Europe to celebrate the four seasons. For instance at the Winter Solstice which is the shortest day of the year, people would gather and dance round stones in circles singing various songs. This usually took place around 22nd December.

When Christianity reached these parts, it took over the pagan soltice celebrations giving the people Christian songs to sing instead of their original pagan carols. We could say Christmas carols have grown from then. Today, there are several carols sung in many differnt languages all over the world.

What’s your favourite Christmas Carol?

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MED CHORALE’s

VENITE ADOREMUS IN PICTURES

CR TH AZY IS C T HR HING IST S MA TO S. DO

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Ufuoma Geraldine Mamoh

1.

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S

o, with Christmas drawing closer and all, I think we need to lay back, and kinda ‘feel’ the moment a little more than we used to. To make this Christmas special out of the many we’ve had and even those were yet to have. This time, let’s take time to understand Christmas.

Not just because everyone says we should, but because it’s a mystery that The Uncreated Creator, the Unchangeable Changer in all His awesomeness and glory decided yet to be born.

Try a new dish: This here is one of my personal favourites. I mean who doesn’t love food right? You could go a little continental with this one, try a new brownie recipe- those have a real Christmassy feel, topped up with dollops of ice cream just at the top. Or you could go more local (my kinda treat) with chicken. Maybe trying out a new marinade, or go for grilling rather than frying. Or you could be real experimental and try a ‘continental meets local’ sorta recipe.

2.

Get Familial: This year, let’s try doing something special for each family member present at home.

Not necessarily, getting a gift for the entire family, but making each one of them smile at least once. It could be babysitting to take a little stress of an aunt, or running a couple errands around the home, or better still being less annoying.

3.

Quit the New Year Resolutions: If that stuff doesn’t work for you, we’re in the same boat. It’s become almost so routine that most people do it every year because they have to. I propose a new theory: a commitment letter to God. Let’s try writing a letter of things we want to commit to, sign it, and have God sign it as well. Crazy as it sounds, it works because now, you’re accountable to the great I Am.

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4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

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Find Christmas in the Bible: This goes beyond reading the nativity story. It involves following up all the prophecies and preparations surrounding the birth of the Lord. It’s about perceiving it through Isaiah’s words, understanding Anna and Simeon, and then going through the nativity story through all four gospels. Not just for reading’s sake, but for a personal understanding to truly run through time as we again prepare for the coming of our Lord.

Soak up the Songs: Let’s leave these Santa Claus, PTX and Snowthemed songs that not all of us can relate to, and get to the bottom of the matter. Delving into the Christmas songs that we can whole-fully relate to, especially the ones in our local dialect that we seem to often forget. Let’s bask in music that doesn’t just tickle our imagination, but discloses reality.

Read read read: This one stems from the need to understand the reason for the season. Let’s pick up a book, or a good character Bible-study on our Lord. Let’s get back to basics, and ask ourselves ‘why Christmas?’ The birth of our savior birthed a holiday that’s celebrated globally every year, but how much of this savior do we celebrate in our lives? How often do we let Him be birthed in our hearts? How much of my life is relatable to the Emmanuel Effect?

Get a new Christmas Outfit: Now, I know what y’all are thinkingsome new heels or a new watch or something; but no, that’s not it. I’m talking about our hearts, not our garments. I’m talking about those pesky little attitudes that seem to creep up in the most unwanted of moments. I’m talking about the anger, the jealousy, the complacency, the lack of discipline, the laziness. All that stuff, let’s make a conscious effort to take out the trash as we begin a new year, hard as it may be.

Reach out: It could be to an old friend, or even a ‘long lost’ relative.

The ones who usually don’t come to mind during Christmas (or at all). It’s not like they’re marginalized, but they usually aren’t first on our A-list. Let’s call them up, and chat about everything just for catching up sake.

Pray Like Never Before: This Christmas, let’s not wait till 31st night when were given a couple minutes to pray into the New Year.

Let’s start personally, scheduling specific prayers: for ourselves, our families, our friends, our country, and the world at large. Then, extend possibly to involve the entire family. Let’s enforce God’s will for 2018 even at a time when the noise is so much, it’s more than enough to silence the voice of the Holy Spirit within us.

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O thou who camest from above The pure celestial fire to impart, Kindle a flame of sacred love On the mean altar of my heart!

- Charles Wesley

REVIVAL

HOT RIGHT ABOUT NOW

Harmattan!

Chicken chicken

Eboue- Riches to rags

Battling corruption

Traffic

TECHNOW

C. S. Lewis on

‘Gadgetry’.

In a letter to one Michael Edwards in 1956, C. S. Lewis had a lot to say about enjoying tech:

Dear Mr. Edwards – ...

Of course enjoying equipment or motoring is not a sin. The point I wanted to make is that excessive excitement about gadgetry and the belief (Weston’s belief) that the possession of, say, wireless [i.e., radio] & aeroplanes somehow makes one superior to those who lack them & even justifies one in conquering such people, is bosh. My motto w[oul]d be ‘Have your toys, have your conveniences, but for heaven’s sake don’t start talking as if those things really mattered as, say, charity matters.’

As for ‘giving up’ things—well, when we’ve given up all our sins (the things everyone knows to be sins), we can think again! The problem will not be immediate. The devil is fond of distracting us from our plain daily duties by suggesting vague & rather faddy ones, you know.

While it is obvious Dr. Lewis was not speaking directly about the internet or facebook (if he ever dreamt of those then), his point on the matter of gadgetry is still relevant today: Love is more important than technology.

Whether we have the latest ride in town or that iphone X, is really irrelevant when loving others.

And while this might seem immediately obvious, ask yourself: haven’t you ever felt a twinge of pride just because you have the latest iphone in school? Or pitied that chap (even a teeny weeny bit) just because he uses that old flip phone? What exactly are you being proud of?

And though your phone has got nothing to do

with loving others, the pride is still there.

Tech can make us feel better of than others, maybe more superior. Lewis reitrates that this can stand in the way of us obeying the greatest commandment there is-- Love.

This holiday, reflect on the reason for the season-- that “God so loved the world that he gave...” For Love’s sake, you may want to for go the tech and show more love--spend quality time with friends and family. Better yet think of the many ways you can use the tech this season to serve others better.

Don’t be distracted.

STAY FOCUSED WITH THESE GREAT APPS 1. Spread God’s love with Share Your Faith.

2. Memorise new scriptures with Remember Me. 3. Organize your prayer list with PrayerMate.

4. God Tools: Literature for more evangelism.

5. Jesus Film Project.

All these apps are free.

WHAT’S YOUR FONDEST MEMORY OF

CHRISTMAS GROWING UP IN GHANA?

1. THE NATIVITY SCHOOL PLAY “While shepherds watch’d their flocks by night, All seated on the ground, The angel of the Lord came down, And glory shone around....”

I still wonder why they never let me play Joseph or a wiseman. Not even a shepherd.

I remember playing an angel once. Most times all I had to do was bleat: “baa, baaa..” Auditioning for the Nativity play was very competitive back then, you know? I scored a couple of gigs though.

If you never starred in the play, sorry. You’ve missed so much.

2. MASQUERADES Christmas was rendered more colourful with the activity of masquerades. These were masked clowns who sometimes stood on very long stilts and paraded the streets, collecting donations, dancing heartily and creating fun for kids and any one else who cared enough to look at them.

But a lot of children were scared of these strange looking fellows (not me though).

Some parents realising this will thus invoke these kakai to make their innocent children more compliant to their instructions.

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3. PICCADILLY Piccadilly used to be the Official biscuit of Christmas in Ghana. It was virtually a crime to leave it out of the celebrations. The sight of that unique violet box with the golden inscriptions was enough to spark cheer. We will queue as kids with palms wide open awaiting our turn to partake of this confectional communion on Christmas.

What happened, GEM? Bring back our Picadilly!

4. FIRE CRACKERS (KNOCKOUT) Firecrackers, popularly known in Ghana as knockouts, were a big favourite among the kids growing up. Who didn’t love explosions? The cacophony of knockouts every christmas was something all of us keenly looked forward to.

Now with tighter regulations that restrict the importation of firecrackers, mainly because of the increased incidence of injury and crime associated with their use, they have become very hard to come by.

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INTERVIEW

Rev. Dr. Joyce ROSALIND Aryee SALT AND LIGHT MINISTRIES

UP-CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH

REV. DR. JOYCE ROSALIND

ARYEE

Who is Dr. Joyce Rosalind Aryee?

Dr. Joyce Aryee, I would say, is an object of God’s grace. Born 71 years ago, she grew up in Kumasi and went to Achimota school and then the University of Ghana, Legon. She’s also had a number of other training programmes.

She’s versatile, passionately in love with the Lord Jesus Christ and committed to being the salt of the earth and the light of the world as Jesus says we are.

She has a son and three grandchildren (two girls and a boy).

What is your salvation story?

It all started on Easter of 1964. I was in secondary school and a member of the Scripture Union, SU. The SU organized what they called the Easter House Party (now the Easter camp) a group of us participated in the camp which was held at Wesley Girls High School, Cape-Coast. That was when I gave my life to Christ. I was in Lower 6 then. Sadly, soon after I went to the University, I backslided. It was not intentional. The mistake people make is to think of backsliding as falling into so much sin. Instead, backsliding means not being closely united to God; nor walking in His ways as one should. And

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that’s what’s scary about it; when you know you may not quite be sinning but your love for God is dimmed and you find other things much more interesting than the things of God. But God is gracious. In a series of interesting events, He turned me back to Himself in 1986. I thank the Lord for receiving the prodigal daughter back home, wrapping me in His love, giving me His robes of righteousness, a new understanding and a love for Him I didn’t think existed. That’s my journey.

Are you living your childhood dream?

I didn’t have childhood dreams as people usually talk about. Not everyone is born to be like Joseph; to have dreams or high aspirations.

I am not like the people who have such dreams. In fact, every day, I am surprised at what God makes of me. If I had any dream at all, it was the dream of becoming excellent at whatever I find myself doing and in that respect, Yes, by the grace of God I am living my childhood dream.

Why did you enter into politics?

I did not enter into politics. There was a revolution at the time and so all of us who served were called to

If I had any dream at all, it was the dream of becoming excellent at whatever I am doing.

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serve. There was no parliament; no elections. I was at the time working at the Ghana Standards Board, now the Ghana Standards Authority, when I was called and sent on secondment to serve under the then PNDC. I served from April 1983 to January 1992.

How were you able to maintain your standards in politics?

The Bible is filled with a significant number of politicians: Joseph who was second in command to Pharaoh, Daniel who served under 4 kings. The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof! Hence, God would want us (Christians) to go into leadership. God wants us to make a difference and reflect him in every area of our lives, even in a hostile environment like Daniel found himself. God sometimes uses the ungodly environment to let us know why our presence is so important; that our light can permeate through the darkness and drive it away.

What made you enter into fulltime ministry after your time at the Ghana Chamber of Mines?

I have always been in ministry. I have been in ministry since October 1997, I never stopped. While at Chamber of Mines, Salt and Light was still writing in the newspapers, doing radio Bible studies, organising programs and prayer rallies. Essentially, ministry is everything a Christian does; there’s gnomicmagazine.com

Discipleship is about walking closely with the Lord. a priesthood of all believers and the Great Commission has not been given to pastors alone.

Again, God also expects work to be done outside church-- the work of commerse, industry, healthcare provision and the like. You don’t have to wait to enter into fulltime ministry.

What influenced the name of your Salt and Light?

My personal walk with the Lord influenced Salt and Light. Salt and Light is a ministry for discipleship. It encourages Christians to be who God says we are: disciples of our Lord Jesus. Discipleship is about walking closely with the Lord; building a relationship. We equip Christians to be salt and light.

Salt gives flavour to food. It also preserves food from rotting. Again, it acts as an antiseptic aiding healing. Thus, as Christians we need to give life and flavour to the world and hopeless situations. We need to provide healing, both physically and emotionally, to all those hurting. Salt also induces thirst. In the Middle East, because of the hot weather they cook with a lot of salt. This makes them thirsty and by drinking lots of water, hydrated.

Jesus Christ is our living water.

Our presence should induce the desire for Him. Our character and behaviour should cause people to long more and more for Jesus. As for light, it simply destroys darkness.

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Even a flicker of light is enough to drive darkness away. Light also aids in illumination and direction.

The Christian thus needs to be illuminated and become light for others. Again, light brings cheer.

Remember dumsor1 . Whenever the light came back, there was this spontaneity of joy and excitement. Thus, people should spontaneously light up and be cheered by our presence. And then there’s the lighthouse.

God in His wisdom has put a lot of boulders and rocks around beaches so that the sea does not take over the land. But this is very dangerous for ships. The lighthouse is therefore to warn ships that they are nearing land, so they navigate safely towards the harbour. What’s a harbour?

It is a place where the rocks have been deliberately cleared out; where the obstacles and difficulties have been taken away so ships can land safely.

It’s a place of refreshing for both the ships and the people on board. The harbour then really is Christ; where all the obstacles that otherwise would have made it easy for us to run our lives aground have been taken away. The world also needs to know of this safe haven. They need to know about Jesus Christ.

We are the lighthouse and we need to warn both believers and nonbelievers of the dangers of not getting into the harbour.

This is what Salt and Light is all about. It’s neither a church nor

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1. A period of peristent, irregular and unpredictable electric power outages in Ghana.

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Aunty Joyce and the Harmonious Chorale

a fellowship. We use the newspapers and radio to talk about the fact that Christianity is a practical way of life and that we have been empowered so to live. We write in the Friday edition of the Chronicle and in the Weekly Spectator. Actually, this year marks 20 years since I started writing in the Chronicle. I started writing in October 1997. Salt and Light also runs leadership programmes and prayer rallies. Now, we’ve added a music ministry too. Music is very special to God. Lyrics are very important. I am biased towards hymns probably because of my age but I know quite a number of young people who love hymns even more than I do. Hymns are very scriptural. Sometimes you can actually tell which part of scripture they were lifted from. They are also like sung prayers; the psalms of latter days. Thus, Salt and Light promotes hymns and anthems. On Sundays, between 3.30 and 5.30pm, I go live on radio with the Harmonious Chorale. To the glory of God, I have noticed a rise in the interest in hymns.

A lot of Charismatic Churches now have hymn choirs.

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Is Ghana doing well with female empowerment?

It is a work in progress. We have come a long way but there’s still more work to be done. Successive governments have shown more improvement. I like the fact that women now undertake advocacy for themselves in getting things done.

An example is the Executive Women Network. I also like the fact that women are getting to the highest levels of education and breaking through the myth that some subjects are only for boys. Women are now willing to run for parliament and other roles in various organisations. I like how this government has given certain positions to women. We are aiming for equity; available opportunities to be everything we’d want to be.

Did you have any mentors in Ghana growing up?

Growing up, we had no issue with mentorship because we had good parents who raised us well. they

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believed in honesty, respect, integrity and they passed these down to us. Nonetheless, Jesus Christ remains my greatest mentor.

Are you anyone?

currently

mentoring

Yes, many.

Achimota School recently named one of the new houses after you. How do you feel about this recognition?

It’s overwhelming. I had absolutely no idea it was going to happen.

It still overwhelms me. I can only give glory to God.

You are 71 now? You do not look it at all. How do you maintain your youthful look?

I’m almost 72 actually. I will be 72 in March 2018; in four months, God-willing. My heart is like that of a young girl.

I like the haircut. Is seems you’ve caught on the trend?

I cut it on the 31st of December, 2015. I wanted to enter my 70th birthday with shorter hair.

I didn’t cut it because of the new trend; I set the trend.

Shorter hair makes you free.

What does Christmas mean to you? And what are your plans this Christmas?

Christmas is a whole amazing miracle of God entering our world. It is a miracle because it is difficult to fathom how God would love His world, how He would make a distinctive and permanent difference to His relationship with Israel. How he

The Gnomic team with Dr. Joyce Aryee

would also have to go through the various processes He had originally designed for man to go through: right from conception, through to death. It’s amazing.

And the joy the occassion brings. I love Christmas carols.

Christmas is simply a miracle of joy inexplicable. Plans? Not much. I will go to church, attend as many Carols services as I can and spend time with my son, his wife and my grandchildren. We will eat together and have fun as a family.

As an avid choral enthusiast, how far do you see choral music going in Ghana?

I think it’s on the ascendancy.

Ghana has got interesting traditions in church music. With

the charismatic wave it looked as if choral music was waning. The story is different now. Currently, some Charismatic churches even have a separate choir for hymns and choral music.

What’s your advice for the youth?

First of all, I’d want to congratulate all young people for boldness, resourcefulness, fearlessness and willingness to do new things. I’d like you to know that the future is yours and the future is today. You have to help shape your future directly and indirectly-- do the things you want to see done. Don’t be complainers.

The future is yours and the future is today.

The future is yours and the future is today.

facebook: @TheGnomicMag Instagram/ twitter: @gnomic_magazine

FOOD

CUPCAKES for Christmas.

Ingredients Basic Mix:

225g SR Flour 75g Margarine 75g Sugar 1x Egg 75-100ml Milk 1 tsp Vanilla Essence.

Extras:

25g Cocoa and 100g Chocolate Chips

Method 1. Preheat Oven To 200oC. Place 12 Cake Cases Onto Tray.

2. Sieve Flour Into Bowl.

3. Add Margarine and Rub Into Flour. Add Sugar & Mix. 4. Add Egg, Vanilla and Enough Milk To Make A Stiff Mixture.

(Add Chocolate Extra - Optional).

5. Divide Between Cases. Bake For 10-15 Mins. Cool On Wire Rack.

6. Decorate and Enjoy!

Decorations:

Strawberry Jam and Buttercream Icing 100g Icing Sugar and 1tbsp Water

Source: BBC goodfoods

FEATURED

IT’S THE SEASON TO GIVE.

T

Emmanuella Agyeman Tuffour

wilight poised over the horizon. The streetlight in front of the 37 military hospital illuminated the amorphous wisps of harmattan’s fog rolling in. It was 24th December, and as usual the city of Accra was chock-full of people. The bus stop at 37 was no exception. Hordes clamoured for the next Circle trotro, or the next Tema Station one.

Off to the side, a young man peered at the crowd, and decided to wait out the rush. No doubt there were pickpockets ready to celebrate Christmas with his pocket, and Kafui was far from inclined to oblige them. His hands were way too full with the last minute Christmas shopping his sister had sent him to get to protect his other valuables.

Kafui licked his dry lips. He had rejected his girlfriend’s offer of chapstick the last time he saw her. He thought it wasn’t manly. Now , watching several men pass by him spotting shiny lips, no doubt covered in lip gloss, he severely regretted it. Better to have shiny lips than dry peeling ones. He sighed, and licked his lips again.

He couldn’t remember the last time they’d had a harmattan this dry. Kai! When kraa would the next Tema Station car come? He could hardly wait to get to his warm bed at home and relax with a hot cup of coffee--but not before he stuffed himself with Kwarley’s special jollof. Just thinking about his girlfriend’s cooking made his stomach growl. Embarrased, he looked down just in time to catch the wisp of a girl reaching for his hand. He was too startled to pull away in time, so all he could do was transfer his goods to his other hand as she tugged on his sleeve.

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“Please Uncle, abeg give me 50 pesewas” If there was one thing Kafui hated, it was beggars. Ugh, couldn’t they find some legitimate work to do? Begging was really no different from armed robbery. Instead of guns, they try to use your own sympathies against you.

He adamantly refused to fall prey to their scheme. Shaking the girl off, he curtly replied, “I no get.”

He tried to move sideways, but for a wait, the Malian child-- or whatever she was-- was surprisingly strong.

“Uncle, please”, she cried, “abeg give me 20 pesewas to buy water. Please.”

Water, yeah right. More like alcohol for your lazy father, he thought, non too charitably.

“Uncle, God will bless you.” she said.

“Herh! Leave me!”

People were starting to turn. Just when he thought he couldn’t endure her piteous voice any more, a rickety old bus pulled up “Yeees, Accra, Tema Station, Accra, Accra!” croaked the conductor.

Kafui hurriedly run could find another He situated himself and slammed the

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to the car. She victim to extort. in the front seat door closed. As

the mate tapped on the bus and shouted “Away!”, He turned to look outside and immediately wished he hadn’t. His eyes met those of the waifish Malian child as she stood on the sidewalk in her blue chelsea jersey and mismatched shoes. He quickly looked away.

His phone chirped, and he pulled it out, opening whatsapp to read the well wishes. He smiled briefly and typed back; “Merry Christmas! Wish you the best this festive season. May your belly be full and your joy be abundant!

May all your wishes come to pass.

God bless you.”

At close to midnight, the waifish girl trudged back “home”, if you could call it that. The lean-to was far from comfy, but it provided some shelter for she and her, who was currently battling some kind of sickness that just wouldn’t go away.

Maliah crouched as she entered the shelter. Today she had made 9 cedis in the six hours she had stood outside. It was no where near enough. Her mother coughed, a wracking cough that sent her whole body into spasms. Maliah took out two cedis to buy kooko the next morning and hid the rest. Maybe tomorrow she would have enough money for Mama’s medicine. She crawled unto the mat beside her mother. “Merry Christmas”, she said, to no one in particular.

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12

LIFESTYLE

WAYS TO USE VASELINE THIS CHRISTMAS. Michelle Yeboah Manu

V

aseline, or petroleum jelly has been a common household product for as long as I can remember, being used as a body cream, a hair pomade and even to protect our lips from the harsh harmattan winds. However, Vaseline was initially intended to be a topical ointment, for treating minor cuts and burns before mothers started to use it on diaper rash, and a whole onslaught of new uses of Vaseline was born. For this list of different ways to use Vaseline, I tried to test and foolproof them myself. So you may know them already, or there may be more you know, but here are the twelve I tried that actually worked.

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KEEP YOUR PERFUME/COLOGNE FROM FADING. Rub on a bit of Vaseline on pulse points like the wrist or behind the ears (anywhere you spray your fragrance really) before spritzing on the scent and notice that it’ll last a lot longer.

(For my test there was a control area and an area with Vaseline and after about 6 hours a marked difference in the intensity of the smells could be noticed).

SOOTHE AND SOFTEN DRY SKIN; Many people may say this is a common use of Vaseline but there’s a bit of clarification here: not just as a lotion during the day, but applying Vaseline to your heels and elbows before you sleep, or other super dry areas helps soften them considerably.

(As an added tip, putting on socks after applying- cut off the toes of a long pair for your elbows- drastically improves results).

REMOVE EYE MAKEUP Rub a bit of Vaseline on your eyelids and wipe away your waterproof eye make up easily. This works on the principle of non-water based solutes dissolving in non-water based solvents.

(It can also be used to remove fake eyelash glue- just rub on lash line before removing lashes).

PERFECT YOUR MANICURE Apply some Vaseline to your cuticles and around the nail before painting them to prevent polish from spreading outside the nail. This helps get a much neater look at once AND moisturizes the cuticle. WIN-WIN. Try not to get some on the nail though.

(Using a cotton bud/swab to apply the Vaseline around the nail makes for neater work and lowers the chances of Vaseline getting onto the nail).

STOP SQUEAKS Rub some Vaseline on squeaky and nosy door hinges and handles, wardrobe hinges, etc. in place of oil. It also works on hard to turn keys!

DIY MAKE UP Add coloured food dye, powdered Kool- Aid, Jolly Jus or any other pigmented powder to some Vaseline to make your own lip stain. Morph your powder eyeshadows into creams for a more intense colour by mixing them with Vaseline.

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This is a great use for any old or broken eye shadow palettes you may have.

(The eyeshadows can also be used as a lip stain, its not limited to just the eyes.)

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CONCEAL SPLIT ENDS Hide split ends between trims or when your hair looks fried by rubbing a bit of Vaseline on them. It can also be used to smooth down flyaway hairs (though I definitely not a substitute for edge control gel). Just remember its oil based and can build up so wash it out with a clarifying shampoo.

SHINE SHOES Scuffed patent leather shoes, regular leather, using a bit of Vaseline to buff your shoes can make them shine like new again. Just don’t use too much or you’ll pick up a lot of dust.

EASE JEWELLERY ON/OFF Use Vaseline to slide a ring or other jewellery that’s hard to get off right off. It can also be rubbed on ear lobes before easing in an earring that was proving difficult to get through an ear hole. Especially if you haven’t worn earrings in a while.

HIGHLIGHT Vaseline can be dabbed on the apples of your cheeks and eyelids, to create a dewy look without a highlighter. Pat a tiny bit across your cheekbones to create a contour effect.

(It can also be used to give your legs some glow. Just put some on your shins for a shiny glow-y look. Add a bit of a liquid bronzer to give it an extra kick).

TAME UNRULY EYEBROWS Just dab a dot of petroleum jelly on your finger or an eyebrow spoolie and sweep in one direction smoothing over your arches.

(It can also be used to tame your eyelashes, with the added benefit of making them look longer, lusher and thicker for a shiny and voluminous look).

PROTECT SKIN FROM HAIR TREATMENTS Putting a bit of Vaseline around your hairline and at the top of your ears can help protect your skin from colour seeping in and staining when dyeing, protect from burns when curling or straightening, and protect from chemical burns when relaxing.

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12

MUSIC

CHRISTMAS ALBUMS TO LISTEN TO THIS HOLIDAY. Araba Dawson-Amoah

Disclaimer, this list is ranked and completely based on my opinion and my idea of new sounds to recommend to people. There are other great Christmas albums that are out there for listening, but unfortunately like the twelve days of Christmas there are only twelve albums on my list, and here they are:

12.

Christmas Interpretations (1993) - Boyz II Men This album is simple with the soothing voices of the Boyz II Men and their renditions of classic Christmas songs.Semi a capella, the song to listen for is Silent Night.

11.

Christmas on Death Row (1996) - Various Artistes Who said hip hop didn’t know Christmas? This album features sings by original hip hop artistes like Snoop Dogg, Daz Dillinger and Nate Dogg and puts some gangsta into the holiday season.

Surprisingly good song= I Wish

10.

A Motown Christmas (1973) - Various Artistes This album has songs sung by Stevie Wonder, the Jackson 5 and The Supremes, and is basically an album of classics sung by origins, musical veterans.

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9.

A Very She & Him Christmas (2011) - She & Him

8.

Natty Christmas (1970) - Jacob Miller

7.

Everyday Is Christmas (2017) - Sia

This album by actress Zooey Deschanel and her husband musician M. Ward, artistically known as She & Him is the Christmas album for those looking for a less pop and mainstream sound.

The indie album still manages to capture the heart of Christmas and has a fresh feel with original songs and new arrangements on some of the old regulars.

This album is a surprising hidden gem. With a reggae tone perfusing the entire album, this album will have you “feeling irie” and have you jamming on the Rasta rock reggae beats. I recommend listening to Wish You A Merry Natty Christmas.

Sia’s Christmas album doesn’t really bring anything new to the table, though she did say there was nothing new to say about Christmas, however this album is full of original songs for those that want the same feeling of Christmas but are tired of the usual songs heard every Christmas. The songs all carry the Sia vibe the songwriter has perfected over the years, can start off by listening to the titular song, Everyday is Christmas.

6.

5.

Christmas (2011) - Michael Bublé Showcasing the bluesy old times voice that is Michael Bublé,this album warms the cockles of your heart with renditions of Christmas classics and awesome duets with Artistes such as Mariah Carey, Shania Twain and even Thalia (that’s Rosalinda from the telenovela). No need to recommend a song, just loop the album and sit back and enjoy.

Celebrate Christmas with the Winneba Youth Choir (2005) - Winneba Youth Choir Musical compilation of Christmas songs by the acclaimed Winneba Youth choir, with our good old classics like Afehyia Pa to put you in the truly Ghanaian holiday mood.

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4.

These Are Special Times (1998) - Celine Dion A Ghanaian Christmas staple, legend Celine Dion croons about the magic of Christmas and the need to celebrate Christ and spend the special time with loved ones. We always hear tracks like Happy Xmas(“And so this is Christmas...”) and O Holy Night everywhere, so try out other great tracks on the album such as ‘Don’t Save It All For Christmas Day’ and ‘The Magic Of Christmas’.

3.

PTXmas (2012) - Pentatonix

2.

Christmas Album (1981) - Boney M

Other than make amazing sound with just their mouths, one thing Pentatonix know how to do is make a good Christmas album. They raise the bar as an a capella group, recreating Christmas songs like never before, while coming up with their own. Ultimately I chose their first Christmas album because of their version of Carol of the Bells that’s an amazing listen anytime of year. They give a great spin to hymns you’ll be singing in church this season. In fact, don’t just try this album listen to all their Christmas albums: That’s Christmas to Me(2014) -which has the charted hit Mary Did You Knowand A Pentatonix Christmas (2016)their latest release that does not disappoint.

Boney M Christmas music is the stuff you probably grew up on if you basically lived in Ghana as a child. Listen to it for faves like Felix Navidad, Little Drummer Boy, Joy to the World and of course, Zion’s Daughter. This is a nostalgic Christmas album for we who miss the happy spirit of Christmas from our childhood.

1.

Merry Christmas (1994) - Mariah Carey And the number one Christmas album I chose for good reason, is this one by Mariah Carey. The best-selling Christmas album of all time, the most known song off that album is of course All I Want For Christmas Is You, a song that 23 years down the line has topped the Christmas charts again this year.

Along with a choir (authentic gospel flavoured background), Mariah uses her powerful voice and signature whistle to whisk us up on a wonderful ride taking us up to a crescendo

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without a drop. Considering she wrote the album as a way to express the connection between her music and her spirituality, I guess you could say the album was truly inspired in greatness. Of course the best song in the album is All I Want For Christmas Is You, but listen to original song ‘Jesus Oh What a Wonderful Child’ and ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’.

If you want new songs here are 12 Christmas songs released in 2017: Away in a Manger - Pentatonix, Christmas Eve - Kelly Clarkson, Santa’s Coming For Us Sia, The Star - Mariah Carey, Say All You Want For Christmas - Shania Twain and Nick Jonas, O Holy Night - Ellie Goulding, Can You See - Fifth Harmony, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy - Lindsey Stirling, This Christmas Night Kaskade and Dia Frampton, Make It Feel Like Christmas - Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton, Last Christmas - Good Charlotte, 3 Kings - DJ Khaled, Yo Gotti and Fabolous

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SPORTS

KAKA RETIRES AT 35.

“

I belong to Jesus

The Brazillian football star and Fifa World Cup Champion took to Twitter last week (17th December, 2017) to announce his retirement from the beautiful game. He posted a photo of himself on his knees and lifting his hands, wearing a t-shirt which read: “I belong to Jesus”.

The post also said: “Father, it was much more than I could ever imagine. Thank you! I’m now ready for the next journey. In Jesus’ name. Amen”.

The post has since been retweeted more than 45,000 times.

FOOTBALL Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, also known as Kaka, was born on 22 April, 1982. He made his professional club debut at age 18 at São Paulo FC in Brazil and since then has enjoyed a very successful football career. In 2002, he won the FIFA World Cup with Brazil. He would go on to win the 2005 and 2009 confederation cups with his country.

In 2007, he won the Champions League and Club World Cup with AC Milan. He won the Spanish La Liga in 2012 with Real Madrid and the Italian Serie A two years later with AC Milan. In 2007, he also awarded the Ballon D’Or and the FIFA World Player award.

FAITH Kaka attended an evangelical church with his parents for much of his life as a child. At 12 years he made a commitment to follow Jesus.

In an interview a few years back, he explained: “I do whatever is in my hands, but the fruit comes from God. He is the tree, I am only a branch.”

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GNOMIC 10

TOP 10 PICKS BRIGHT

FOR KING AND COUNTRY LITTLE DRUMMER BOY

09 C. S. LEWIS MERE CHRISTIANITY

LUCKY LOGAN

07 08 06

THE PURSUIT OF GOD A. W. TOZER

JENNIFER ROTHSCHILD GOD IS NOT FAIR

05 03

MATTHEW WEST BROKEN THINGS

CHAIN BREAKER ZACH WILLIAMS

04 02

NF LET YOU DOWN

GET OUT

01 DEC/JAN18

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AND LOOK US UP.

“For God so loved the world...�

Some time ago in a manger, today, everyday.

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