JENNIFER M. SMITH

Premier

Today is Christmas and this year's festive season is even more special as we focus on the message that signalled the first Christmas.

The birth of the Christ Child over two thousand years ago heralded A New Beginning that changed the course of history.

This holiday season, we have another opportunity to experience A New Beginning - one not heralded by the birth of a child - but born out of the tragic events of September 11.

A Day that changed our world forever.

The values we celebrate at Christmas are contained in that first message of 'Peace on Earth and Good Will Toward All Men'. While this is a time of celebration, it is also a time of reflection and resolution, and an opportune time to recall the many things we have to be thankful for as a country.

Many events this year have given us cause to rejoice. It was impossible for those of us who visited Washington DC during the summer, when we celebrated Bermuda's unique heritage, talents and culture at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, not to be filled with an immense sense of pride in the skilled and talented Bermudians from all walks of life who participated. This year's Cup Match Classic marked the centennial of this great two-day cricket match between Somerset and St. George's.

The performance of the players and the spirit in which the game was played was a fitting commemoration of this unique event and the honour given to those players of the past who were present paid respect to the many who had built the foundation for the Cup Match we cherish today.

Just as we had cause to rejoice over the past year so too were there occasions of sorrow - great and small - personal and global.

We continue to remember the Bermudian families directly affected by the tragic events of September 11 and trust that they, and all whose holidays will be spent without the presence of family members or friends, will draw some comfort from the prayers and best wishes offered at this time.

With so much pain and suffering in the world around us, let us demonstrate the true meaning of this day, ever thankful for the blessings we have in Bermuda.

As friends and families share in the festive mood of Christmas, let us remember that even in our community, there are those who are not be able to share they joy of the season.

Those who do not enjoy all the blessings that we take for granted.

Those who are in ill health, those who struggle with financial difficulties to make ends meet, and those who grieve for loved ones.

It doesn't take a whole lot to do something nice for someone else.

As it has been said:

I am only one, but I am one

I cannot do everything,

But I can do something,

What I can do, I ought to do

And what I ought to do

By the grace of God,

I will.

This season, resolve to bring a little joy to someone else's life.

I want to take this opportunity on behalf of Government to thank all of the people who make Bermuda such a special place to live.

Those who contribute to our society with such commitment and enthusiasm - who are on call night and day - who protect and serve us - who care for us - and who provide service to the people of Bermuda and the Government.

We are grateful for the superb efforts of all of you!

On behalf of the Government of Bermuda and my family, I want to wish each and one of you, happy holidays.

May the songs of Christmas fill your Heart,

May the joys of Christmas warm your spirit,

And may the wonder of Christmas touch your world with peace.