May your Christmas be full of joy and goodwill

Christmas is, yet again, upon us. It is a once a year event and it is, throughout Christendom the world over, a family day. What better day is there for families to put away differences, to think less about the interfering problems and more about the way forward, for rebonding of family ties and celebrating time honoured family values? The family is the most fundamental unit in any country and what bonds the family are the very same values which keep a nation together, strong and forward looking.
It is also an appropriate occasion to remember with kindness those who were with us during the highs and lows, the joys and sorrows of our lives, those who laboured for us, those who shared with us their time, effort, commitment and money to overcome the many challenges the year 2009 threw in our way. What a better time to celebrate the many values of communal endeavours, of camaraderie, togetherness and brotherhood in a common purpose so richly willed to us by our forbearers.
It is also a time to think kindly of those less fortunate than ourselves, of those who have lost dear ones and those not able to celebrate this Christmas. We hear of terrible reports of famine, hunger, poverty, fighting and of millions dying for want of generosity and a helping hand and of human values targeted by bullets and suicidal bombs. It is fitting that we say a word of prayer for humanity the world over that appears to have turned upon itself and for mankind to treasure the wondrous natural gifts of which we are so richly blessed instead of despoiling them.
Let this then be a Christmas of joy and goodwill for all families, big and small; for happy family reunions, for welcoming back home those from afar with warm open arms. Let us all together renew our deep gratitude for the greatest gifts God gave mankind – the gift of life and the gift of love. There surely cannot be better Christmas presents than these!
My wife, Tuaine, and our family join me in wishing you all a Merry Christmas.

Herald Issue 463 10 June
- World famous activist assisting residents
- Budget will decide if residents prosecute Government over landfill
- Forestry project sucking Mangaia dry
- Budget 2010 – fiasco or disaster?