The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) held a solemn Nine Lessons and Carols Service on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, at the Burma Hall in Accra, bringing together officers, soldiers, and defence civilian staff to celebrate the Christmas season.

The Nine Lessons and Carols Service forms part of GAF’s annual end-of-year religious activities, providing an opportunity for personnel to reflect spiritually, give thanks to God for His protection throughout the year, and pray for peace, safety, and success in the year ahead.

In his exhortation, the Director of Army Religious Affairs, Colonel Francis Agyemang, tracing the brief history of the Carols Service, explained that the tradition was introduced in 1880 by Bishop Edward White Benson of England. Its purpose was to deepen Christians’ understanding of Christmas and to guide the hearts of men and women away from worldly distractions towards the redemptive message of Christ.

Drawing parallels between military life and Christian faith, Colonel Agyemang emphasised that just as soldiers operate through discipline, order, and structured operations, the Scriptures reveal God’s ordered plan for humanity’s redemption. He stressed that every lesson read and every carol sung reflects divine instructions that lead believers towards salvation.

He further described each carol as a rallying cry of hope, reminding soldiers that even amid the hardships and demands of service, God’s light continues to break through the darkness. According to him, the Carols Service symbolises God entering homes, barracks, and mission areas as soldiers lift their voices in praise as men and women of faith. “In the military, we march by command, but in faith, we march by hope,” he remarked.

The Director of Army Religious Affairs emphasised that carols remain a powerful expression of worship, even during challenging deployments. He noted that the songs are not merely musical renditions but spiritual weapons that strengthen believers, boost morale, inspire courage, and constantly remind soldiers of God’s abiding presence with them.

He concluded by outlining four cardinal spiritual and practical lessons drawn from the Carols Service: God’s faithfulness, the light of Christ that encourages believers, obedience to God’s will, and mission and witness. These lessons, he said, continue to guide soldiers in both their professional duties and spiritual walk, reaffirming their calling to serve with faith, hope, and purpose.

The Carols Service was well attended by the Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant General William Agyapong, the Service Chiefs, Chief of Staff, Commandants, Formation Commanders, Directors-General, Directors, the Forces Sergeant Major, soldiers, and defence civilian staff.