A message of hope at Christmas

Fri, Dec 19, 2014

by: Beverly Richards

President National Council of Women-SVG

At Christmas our thoughts are always full of our homes and our families. If you are a wife or a mom, remember that your joy is important at Christmas. Christmas is about joy and if the joy of the Lord is your strength, then your strength is your children’s strength. So, do not let anything steal your joy.

However, for some of us Christmas is the season when family members come together or share in the spirit and affection by exchanging greetings from a distance. For others, Christmas will mean the reflection on the memories which linger of our loved ones who are no longer with us.

But we do hope that your comfort might be fulfilled by the example of Jesus of Nazareth who lived an unselfish sacrificial life and inspired many by his teaching. Millions around the world celebrate His birthday at Christmas, and draw from his life and message of strength and hope, peace and love.

We were confronted every day with many grave problems and difficulties which seem insurmountable in 2014. We grappled with the scourge of violence, (sexual, physical, verbal, psychological and financial), discrimination at all levels and many injustices committed against humanity. The struggle goes on, we will not give up. The violence must stop.

As we move into 2015 many are our expectations and aspirations, but the challenges that will confront us, we do not know. So let us establish a foundation to build a truer knowledge of ourselves, practice tolerance and understanding among ourselves, respect ourselves, respect others, love one another, and by this we will establish a culture of peace.

As we celebrate, let us remember the eternal message of Christmas and the desire of us all “Peace on earth, good will to all men.”

We hope that this Christmas message will encourage and sustain you now and in the coming year, always remember that genuine happiness and satisfaction lie in giving than in receiving, and in serving than in being served. Faithfully serve God all the days of your life

We wish you all a very happy Christmas, and may God bless and guide you all throughout 2015.