It is an editorial tradition at this time of year to remind the public of some of the Bible's most profound and selfless lessons, notably the golden rule – do unto others as you would have them do unto you – and that we are our brother's keeper.

There is a small fault in this; like new year's resolutions, we tend to take these ideas up now, but forget about them by the end of January.

This year should be different. With economic hard times most likely looming, Bermudians more than ever should look out for those who often through no fault of their own, find themselves in hardship.

Recently, and this is another area that undeservedly gets less attention in other parts of the year, this newspaper has highlighted the efforts of at least two people who have been helping the truly less fortunate in countries as far afield as Peru and Zimbabwe and as close geographically but distant economically as Haiti.

Philip Rego and JoAnne Walker symbolise true selflessness in having literally turned their backs on their comfortable, western lives to give others a chance.

Some will ask why we should look to help people in other countries when people closer to home are struggling. But that discounts the fact that Bermuda remains among the most fortunate places on earth.

That does not mean that we shouldn't help people in need wherever we find them.

Bermuda has a large and generous charity sector that does much to help those in need.

But this sector faces many of the same challenges that the rest of us do. Traditionally generous donors, and they are not exclusive to international companies and their foundations, may be forced to be less forthcoming than they have been in the past.

And "ordinary" donors are likely to be more careful as well. That's understandable, but does not relieve the onus on others to reach into their pockets to help.

And those who may not be able to help financially can always give in other ways, most notably in time and through their skills.

Many people in this consumerist age have also accumulated immense amounts of material goods. Now is a good time to consider whether we really need all of that stuff, or if this is a good time to give, or sell at a fair price, some of those things to people who really need them.

More broadly, Bermuda's economy is likely to face difficult times in the coming months. While it may seem to make sense to go abroad to buy goods for less than they can be sold for at home, it is worth keeping in mind that that financial equation does not include the cost of the airfare, hotel rooms, meals and Customs duty.

More importantly, that money spent abroad most likely will never come back to Bermuda, whereas money spent in Bermuda stores, or on Bermuda services, will keep circulating through the Bermuda economy, saving and creating jobs and benefits for all Bermudians.

Now more than ever, Bermuda needs to pull together. We need more open and honest debate on building a sustainable society, we need less political point scoring, and we need a greater commitment to working together to help those in need.

If we can do that in 2009, Bermuda will indeed be a better place.

On behalf of the staff and partners of The Royal Gazette, we wish all our readers a merry Christmas.