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CELEBRATING A HOLIDAY 

SCRIPTURE: ESTER 2:17-18

The Jews were in exile in Persia. King Ahasuerus the Persian King chose Esther a Jew as his queen and marked a great feast in her honour. 

REFLECTION 

Celebrating a holiday is the theme for our reflection today. A holiday is an extended period of leisure and recreation, especially one spent away from home or in travelling. It is important to note that a holiday again means a short period during which the payment of instalments, tax, etc. may be suspended. The two meaning of Holiday is important to every worker and for that matter society. 

Holidays are for rest, leisure and recreation, it enables us to take time off our busy schedules and spend quality time with family and friends, and in some instances join others to celebrate the holiday if it is being observed for a particular purpose. “Then the king gave a great feast for all his officials and servants; it was Esther’s feast. (Esther 2:18). In other words, it was Esther’s holiday. It was obvious that day was designated to celebrate and honour queen Esther. It was expected to be observed in the provinces especially by the officials and servants of the queen. Today’s theme coincides with Ghana’s holiday which is being observed to honour the frontiers of our democracy. The holiday has been named the Founders’ day. It is a special day to remember and honour significant individuals in the history of Ghana who sacrificed their time, energy, resources and lives to ensure that Ghana becomes a sovereign nation capable of steering its own affairs. As we mark the founders’ day amidst the Covid-19 pandemic we are encouraged to celebrate the day in a prudent manner, connect with family and friends, dine with them but remember to observe all the safety protocols. If it is possible we may use interactive technology such as video calls to reach out to them. No matter the reason for celebrating a holiday, the aim is to relax, rest, have fun responsibly with family and friends and where there are family issues pending we take advantage of the holiday to have them resolved. We may also use holidays for individual or family Bible meeting and prayer. 

In labour relations and governance, a holiday as we have seen in the definition means a short period during which the payment of tax and some other statutory payment is suspended. “He also granted a remission of taxes to the provinces and gave gifts with royal generosity” (Esther 2:18). In a monarchical governance tax holiday is granted by the King however in democratic governance tax holiday is granted by relevant laws governing the administration of tax and revenues.  Thankfully, Ghana has laws to enable workers to take advantage of tax holidays, unfortunately, many are ignorant about these laws. For example, there is marriage/responsibility tax relief granted to a Ghanian who takes care of his wife or her husband or takes care of at least two children, the tax relief is GHC 1,200 per year. Another example is child education tax relief. This is granted to a resident individual who pays his or her child’s school fees. The relief is granted to a maximum of three children attending any recognized registered educational institution in Ghana. A child under this law includes an adopted child or ward. Both parents cannot claim this relief in respect of the same child /children The relief is GH¢600 per Child per Year. Kindly follow the link for more information on tax holidays and reliefs you can enjoy as a Ghanaian https://gra.gov.gh/domestic-tax/personal-tax-relief/. I believe other countries also have tax holiday or relief statutes or laws, you may want to contact the institution responsible for tax collection in your country for education and guidance.  My dear friend, it is God’s wish that as much as we work we must take advantage of holidays, holidays of rest and leisure and tax holidays to enable us to save funds for investment and adequate supply of our needs. Shalom 

PRAYER 

ALMIGHTY GOD. GRANT US THE WISDOM TO APPRECIATE REST AND RECREATION ON DAYS YOU HAVE GIVEN US AS HOLIDAYS. AS LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS HELP US TO UNDERSTAND OUR LAW AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE TAX HOLIDAYS TO ENABLE US SAVE MONEY OUR STEWARDSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES. AMEN 

Jean-Paul Agidi (Rev)

                                            EWE SUMMARY OF TODAY REFLECTION