Fellow citizens, Christmas time is here once again. And there is nothing nicer than a true Trini Christmas with homes and businesses beautifully decorated, the sounds of parang, Christmas carols and songs filling the air and the delicious aroma of all our favourite foods being prepared.
To children it is a magical time; to all of us it has its own magic of transformation as the season also brings with it goodwill, love and sharing.
It is that time when families and friends reconnect and the less fortunate among us are remembered. It is such a transformational period that my wish is that the season inspires introspection among us all to live the kind of life that the meaning of Christmas truly celebrates.
Christians here and all over the world are celebrating the birth of Jesus.
The message of Peace that His birth brought could not have been more relevant than today when in many parts of our world there is such conflict.
We painfully witness children having to grow up in war-torn countries without ever having any real chance to enjoy their childhood and to realize their true potential. Families being wiped out by bombs and acts of terrorism, children being orphaned, maimed or killed and ironically sometimes religious differences and intolerance create this violence.
As citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, we can feel a sense of pride that in our diverse nation, we all celebrate or recognize Christmas as we do all other religious occasions. We are a beacon of hope to the world in the way we respect and acknowledge each other’s religious festivals and traditions in peace and harmony.
And for this we give praise and gratitude to God.
We would all do well to remember, my dear friends, that Jesus is the reason for the Season’s celebrations. What greater gift we can give to others but that of love and renewed hope.
When we share our blessings with those who are poor, those who have nothing, those who do not know where their next meal is coming from, we bring happiness and hope to them.
Christians here and all over the world are celebrating the birth of Jesus.
The message of Peace that His birth brought could not have been more relevant than today when in many parts of our world there is such conflict.
We painfully witness children having to grow up in war-torn countries without ever having any real chance to enjoy their childhood and to realize their true potential. Families being wiped out by bombs and acts of terrorism, children being orphaned, maimed or killed and ironically sometimes religious differences and intolerance create this violence.
As citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, we can feel a sense of pride that in our diverse nation, we all celebrate or recognize Christmas as we do all other religious occasions. We are a beacon of hope to the world in the way we respect and acknowledge each other’s religious festivals and traditions in peace and harmony.
And for this we give praise and gratitude to God.
We would all do well to remember, my dear friends, that Jesus is the reason for the Season’s celebrations. What greater gift we can give to others but that of love and renewed hope.
When we share our blessings with those who are poor, those who have nothing, those who do not know where their next meal is coming from, we bring happiness and hope to them.
When we give toys to needy children this Christmas, we bring joy to their hearts that can never be described or measured. This simple act reinforces what humanity is all about. It reconnects us all with our true nature, to be compassionate and concerned for others. This is the true spirit of Christmas that we acknowledge today.
Christmas provides us with the opportunity to bring out the best in ourselves and to give meaning and action to the message of Christ today and every day by the way we live. We have so much to be thankful for and to appreciate. Please take the time to reflect on it all and to cherish these blessings, large and small.
Today as you move around choose someone whom you do not even know to show some act of kindness no matter how small. It could be a smile to someone who seems to need the reassurance, a cold glass of water to another who is thirsty, a meal to someone who doesn’t even know it’s Christmas Day. Find one kind act that represents who you truly are and what Christmas is really all about and share it. That is a Trini Christmas expressed best.
And in this season of goodwill, let us resolve to be messengers and bearers of peace; to choose the path to peace and holiness rather than divisiveness; to renounce all that goes against the spirit of the season; to give wholeheartedly and unselfishly; and to be the best that we can be.
“Whatever is beautiful, whatever is meaningful, whatever brings you happiness…may it be yours this Holiday Season and throughout the coming year.”
On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and on my own personal behalf, I wish you a Happy, Holy and Peaceful Christmas. Enjoy yourselves, but in moderation.
Christmas provides us with the opportunity to bring out the best in ourselves and to give meaning and action to the message of Christ today and every day by the way we live. We have so much to be thankful for and to appreciate. Please take the time to reflect on it all and to cherish these blessings, large and small.
Today as you move around choose someone whom you do not even know to show some act of kindness no matter how small. It could be a smile to someone who seems to need the reassurance, a cold glass of water to another who is thirsty, a meal to someone who doesn’t even know it’s Christmas Day. Find one kind act that represents who you truly are and what Christmas is really all about and share it. That is a Trini Christmas expressed best.
And in this season of goodwill, let us resolve to be messengers and bearers of peace; to choose the path to peace and holiness rather than divisiveness; to renounce all that goes against the spirit of the season; to give wholeheartedly and unselfishly; and to be the best that we can be.
“Whatever is beautiful, whatever is meaningful, whatever brings you happiness…may it be yours this Holiday Season and throughout the coming year.”
On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and on my own personal behalf, I wish you a Happy, Holy and Peaceful Christmas. Enjoy yourselves, but in moderation.
Please exercise extra caution on the road, remembering always that you have loved ones waiting for you at home. Merry Christmas everyone and may God bless you and God bless our Nation.
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