PM Spencer's Christmas Message 2011

Details

lifestyle

Saturday, 24 December 2011 02:29

By Antigua news

Antigua St John's - My fellow Antiguans and Barbudans, residents and friends, once again it is the season of peace, joy and goodwill. It is a season of celebration. 

At this time we celebrate the entry into the world of our Lord Jesus Christ, whose simple birth is a lesson in humility to all of us.

The story of Jesus changed the world and that is why we celebrate his birth every year around this time.

It is a story that has transformed most of our lives, filling our hearts with joy and inspiring us to do good.  This Christmas story has propelled us to love each other more, serve others and to help the less fortunate in our society.

It is that time when we are called upon to be closer with our families and to give thanks for His blessings.

The story of Jesus’ birth also reminds us to have faith in humanity – believing that we all have some good within us.  Most importantly, the Christmas story admonishes us to be of service to others – be compassionate to all and to treat others, as we would desire to be treated.

Christmas is a time for family.  I welcome all Antiguans and Barbudans who have returned home to celebrate the season and to visit relatives and friends.

There are also many visitors to our shores, who might be experiencing their first Antiguan and Barbudan Christmas.  I wish them peace and happiness that this season brings.

I extend special Christmas greetings to those individuals who provide services to our nation at this time, while we enjoy the company of family and friends.

Special tribute is paid to our law enforcement officers and members of the military and security forces.  Special commendation and wishes of peace and great joy are also extended to our doctors, nurses, emergency medical personnel, fire officers and those who care for the elderly, the less fortunate and our special young ones.

It is my hope that the joys and good cheer that the celebration of Christ’s birth brings will be yours this Christmas.

Even as we partake in the festivities, food and fellowship, this is also a time for quiet sober reflection.  As we approach the end of the year, I think we can all agree that 2011 was a year of challenges.

As a country we continue to deal with the fallout from the global economic crisis and other incidents that have impacted our economy negatively.

The Government, working hand in hand with the people, will continue to respond boldly to the many economic challenges that confront our nation. We will continue to count on the support of you the people of this country as we look forward to the work ahead in the coming New Year.


It is my hope, that during this period of peace and goodwill, that we will all commit ourselves to developing a culture of service to others.  May we think first of the needs of those who are less fortunate than we are.  In that way, we will truly be reflecting the spirit of Christmas.

My wife Jackie; daughter J’nai, son Juno and my entire family, join me in sending good wishes to you the citizens, residents and friends of Antigua and Barbuda.

Let us all thank God for his love, protection and guidance throughout 2011 and for giving us His Son; who is the Saviour of the World.  I wish God’s richest blessing on each and every one of you during this Holy and Happy Season. A Merry Christmas to one and all.

• < Prev
• Next >