“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God: I will strengthen you, yes I will help you.” Isaiah 41:10. These are words of comfort as we enter this Christmas season.
This year we are confronted with many challenges: Covid-19, climate change, global shortages, rising cost of living, loss of jobs and loss of loved ones. Yes, we have endured a lot, but we must also realise that we have a lot to be thankful for. We have life, health, peace, upgraded schools, health and port facilities, and an economy on the rebound. I wish to thank all who have contributed to make this possible, including the United Kingdom, the people of Anguilla and our visitors.
We entered this year in the midst of a pandemic, and it continues to impact our lives. Covid-19 affects our lives and livelihoods. We cannot interact with family and friends like we used to. We are forced to learn the Greek alphabet as we encounter different variants of the virus. We entered 2021 armed only with hygienic measures, mask wearing and social distancing but, thankfully, we got the vaccine which offered enhanced immunity and allowed the opening of the economy, less travel restrictions and a return to some usual activities.
As we reflect on this year, and thank God for life, we must remember those we have lost due to Covid-19, cancer, other diseases, vehicular accidents and senseless gun violence. We should also remember those less fortunate, here and abroad; people who have come upon hard times; those who have had a more challenging year than ours; and those who have lost loved ones this year.
We must thank those who give the best of themselves in the service of others – such as our healthcare workers, hospitality workers, police and firefighters, who do their part and perform their roles without seeking recognition.
The message of Christmas is essentially a message of both sacrifice and hope. John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world that He sent His only beloved Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” This verse speaks to both those issues because Jesus had to die that we might live.
We are called to be like the Christ child, willing to sacrifice for each other and the community, with the expectation that through this, we will all contribute to building a better society. In so doing, we commit to a life of service, with love, compassion and caring.
Christmas time is also a moment for reflection of the sacrifices we have all made, and the embedded hope that the coming New Year will be better than the last. It is with this hope that we must rekindle the warmth, generosity and goodness for which Anguillians are known. We must unite and find strength in our differences, realizing that we are all in this together.
We live in a time when hope is a scarce resource. Hope is the expectation and the confidence that we can overcome adverse situations, conditions and circumstances. Hope encourages us to persevere in the midst of troubles. It is that hope that assures me that we will increase opportunity for all, raise the standard of living and build a sustainable economy.
Christmas is all about a clean break from the past, a brand-new beginning today and hope of a better tomorrow. The Christ child came to offer forgiveness, renewal and salvation. This Christmas, let us forgive those who have wronged us and seek forgiveness from those we may have wronged.
As a community, and a Nation, we should enjoy the Holiday Season and be prepared for a New Year where endless possibilities abound, once we work hard, stay united and stay determined.
Fear or doubt can make us lose perspective, weaken our resolve and limit our initiative. We cannot afford to be fearful. When the future seems improbable, almost impossible, we cannot lose heart and courage because our hope is in God and he will see us through.
Romans 15:13 states, “May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope.”
Christmas is a time of joy and love. May God make you very rich in both.
On behalf of my family, and the Government of Anguilla, I wish you a safe and merry Christmas and a bright, healthy and prosperous New Year.
God bless you, and May God continue to bless Anguilla.
