Christmas Day, is a very special holiday in this beautiful rainbow country of ours - one that is observed throughout the world.
The Gospel of St Mathew’s says that that, on the first Christmas over 2000 years ago, a bright star shone resplendently in the eastern sky, heralding the birth of Jesus the Christ child and the beginning of His hallowed mission as a teacher, healer, servant, and Saviour to all of humankind.
Truly, this auspicious occasion of Christmas in Trinidad and Tobago is even more significant to us since more than any other festival, it reflects the diversity and unity of our multi-cultural land as it is celebrated by citizens of all religions and ethnicities.
Though it is a Christian holiday, the entire country engages in preparations and festivities that reflect the true meanings of this beautiful, holy holiday-giving, sharing, caring and love.
I urge all fellow citizens today, that as they indulge in the traditions of gift exchange and feasting, to not forget that this is a day for holy reflection and observance as well.
This is especially important at a time when our beloved Trinidad and Tobago is facing so many challenges, especially when it comes to crime.
It is times like these in our nation that, as a people, we recognize that the true meaning of Christmas must be cited as an inspiration and promise of our betterment, be it of self, community or country. The birth of the Christ the Saviour is one of the most inspiring events in all of history.
The fact that God gave His own Son to be the ultimate sacrifice to man is indeed a cause of rejoicing and celebration.
Jesus' birth in poverty proclaimed the intrinsic dignity and sisterhood and brotherhood of all humanity, and His luminous teachings have brought hope and joy to generations of believers.
Today, as our beautiful country stands at the dawn of a new social, political and economic era, His timeless message of God's enduring and unconditional love for each and every person continues to strengthen and inspire us.
But more than that, Jesus Christ was given to this world at a time of darkness and despair, to resurrect hope and joy.
The light of Christmas must therefore never be forgotten, and I urge all to emulate God's beautiful, tremendous sacrifice of his Son for the sake of salvation to the world, which ought to inspire all of us to similarly sacrifice ourselves for the sake of ensuring our nation’s continued progress and development.
The main way to do this is to preserve our health and safety, and resolve to be as caring and as giving like God, and make sacrifices that would tax our emotions and social comfort.
In this vein, I urge all to not to indulge in excess as we enjoy the festivities of this day.
Please do NOT drink and drive, let's keep the carnage off the roads by responsible behaviour that reflects compassion and courtesy towards all life.
And more than that, please resolve to, after this period of merriment, and indeed, during the holiday season, to recognize that your country needs your support to ensure that we continue to build, develop and progress as a nation and a people.
During this blessed season and the New Year it inaugurates, let us share the gift of God's love by giving of ourselves and by sharing generously with those in need.
Let us reach out to those who are different from us, knowing that they are+ one in the human family, by living the profound and universal lesson Jesus taught us: that we are to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Let us, like Jesus, become true peacemakers, bringing the gift of peace to our homes, our schools, our communities, and our nation.
And let us continue to reach out when and where we can to give new hope to the most impoverished and to help resolve conflicts, both ancient and new, in all aspects of our society.
Love, peace, joy, hope -- so many beautiful words are woven through our Christmas songs and prayers and traditions.
As we celebrate this beautiful Christmas Day, the last one of this decade, let us resolve to build a future where all people learn to love one another and to live together in harmony; where our children know true joy; and where our hopes for peace, freedom, and prosperity for all are finally realized.
With these words I wish to extend, on behalf of myself, my husband Dr Gregory Bissessar and my family, and the People’s Partnership Government our very best wishes to all citizens on this joyous holiday. May you and your families have a blessed, happy holiday and may your wishes come true.
Merry Christmas to one and all.
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