Senior Reporter
kay-marie.fletcher@guardian.co.tt
In her first Christmas message to the nation as head of state, President Christine Kangaloo sent wishes of hope and comfort to the nation.
Joining the Christian community in commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ during this season, Kangaloo said yesterday that citizens can all be comforted, regardless of religion, in knowing that we are loved by an eternal God who watches over us forgivingly and carefully. She added that as long as we follow and apply the precepts of our faith, we will all be saved.
Kangaloo encouraged citizens to remember those who are unable to celebrate during this time.
While the President described Christmas as a religious celebration which everyone can participate in fully and lovingly regardless of creed, race, class or religion, she also acknowledged that it is a time when many are unable to celebrate because they are hurting and struggling daily to face and overcome challenges and difficulties.
As such, she implored the nation to be aware and sensitive enough to pause in the midst of our own celebrations, to reach out and bring comfort to those who are suffering, just like the angel of Christ did the night he was born.
In her message, Kangaloo said, “Christmas is an opportunity for us all to set down our differences, to heal divisions among us, and to find ways to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our fellow men. It is an opportunity to be inspired into action by the narrative and teachings of Jesus Christ and to fully embody the angelic proclamation of ‘on earth peace, goodwill toward men.’ May we all understand the true message and meaning of Christmas and find ways to bring comfort and hope to one another.”
She added, “May the season’s universal messages of comfort and hope prompt us to reflect on the divinity that lives in each of us, and inspire us to channel that divinity outwards, and into our relationships and interactions with one another ... My husband and I take this opportunity to wish every citizen of Trinidad and Tobago a merry, safe and holy Christmas and a bright, prosperous and purposeful New Year.”