2019 seems to have come and gone in flash, and Christmas is, once again, close at hand.
Christmas is a time when we often reflect on the year soon to end. We think about what’s happened and changed in our own lives, in the lives of those close and dear to us, what’s happened in Anguilla, in our region, and in the wider world.
We will all have had personal ups and downs, highs and lows, moments of joy as we recall births, marriages, anniversaries, graduations, new jobs, new opportunities and the like.
But for most of us there will also have been moments of sadness and regret – the passing of a loved one; illness, worry and concern about someone close; anxiety about work and the challenges of raising a family. Life is not always easy.
And much has happened in Anguilla over the last 12 months. You’ll have your own views on what was good or not so good. But I’m sure you will share my gratitude that Anguilla was spared the ravages of a hurricane like that which befell our friends in the Bahamas.
I’m sure that in the dark days following the passage of Hurricane Dorian those suffering loss and hardship will have taken solace in the material, moral and spiritual support generously offered by Anguillians – help given by a people with personal, recent and painful memories of the devastation nature can cause.
On a happier note Christmas is of course a time to celebrate, for families to get together and reunite. I’m sure many of you will be welcoming friends and relations from near and far to enjoy the season. I wish all safe travels and happy times.
And as we celebrate Christmas and look forward to a New Year – a year which will bring its own opportunities and challenges to us as individuals, families, communities and as a nation – I hope and pray that we will keep in our hearts the true gift of Christmas.
That is the gift of Christ and His message of love, charity and forgiveness.
That we continue to reach out to those who need help and are less fortunate than ourselves – a characteristic that defines Anguillians wherever they are in the world.
That we will be moderate and respectful in our words and public utterances about those who hold different views to ourselves or with whom we disagree.
That in our daily lives we fulfil the true meaning of Galatians Chapter 5 Verse 14, and love our neighbour as ourselves.
Wherever you may be, and whatever you are doing at this special time of the year, Dina and myself wish you a happy, peaceful and blessed Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year. May the good Lord continue to bless you and Anguilla.
