Christmas arrives not only as a celebration, but as a moment of reflection. Across Bermuda, as homes fill with light and families gather, this season invites us to remember what could — and should — truly bind us together as a people.

The Christmas story reminds us that lasting change is not born from power or excess, but from humility, care, and responsibility to one another. It teaches us that strength is found in service, and that even the smallest acts, when shared, can steady an entire community.

Many Bermudians continue to face real pressures — from rising costs to social uncertainty. These issues will not disappear because of Christmas. Yet we know that our Island’s true character shows itself in how we respond. It appears in neighbours supporting neighbours, in families extending themselves for one another, and in communities stepping forward when help is needed. I encourage this mindset to be a continued act from Boxing Day right through to Christmas Eve the following year.

Our Christmas traditions reflect these values. Gatherings around the table, shared meals, music, and moments of laughter are not just seasonal customs; they are reminders of our shared culture and the legacy we pass to generations to come. Let us also not forget that Christmas is a time when many of us are burdened with heavy hearts, remembering loved ones who have passed over the course of the year.

This season also challenges us to look ahead. The future of Bermuda will not be secured through division or short-term thinking. We know that progress comes through local cooperation translating into international competitiveness, and a commitment to peace and prosperity.

The Free Democratic Movement remains grounded in knowing that leadership must be rooted in our guided principles, which is the Golden Rule: “Knowing the Lord with all thine heart, mind, and soul, and in so doing, loving thine neighbour as thyself.”

Christmas offers an opportunity to recommit to listening more carefully, acting more thoughtfully, and treating one another with respect and dignity.

From my family and the FDM family to yours, I wish you a peaceful Christmas and a purposeful New Year.

Marc Bean is the leader of the Free Democratic Movement