Most of us are familiar with the Christmas story that comes from the Gospel according to Luke, and my favourite passage describes the angel bringing news to the shepherds in the fields. The angel says: "Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." And then, the heavenly host proclaims: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

In remarkably few words, the angels deliver God's inclusive message of hope, joy, peace and good will to all people on earth, from the wise men to the humble shepherds. At this time of year, we are all grateful for the good news of Christmas, and our hearts and minds naturally turn to what connects us - as communities, as families and as friends. We reaffirm the enduring values shared by all Bermudians, among them the importance of family, the need to care for each other and the value of good will as we work together for a better future.

Here in Bermuda, the Christmas season is a gentle and welcome reminder that what unites us is more powerful than what divides us. From one end of the island to the other, Christians come together in worship and joyful celebration of God's love revealed to the world through the birth of Jesus.

And the message of Jesus is one that all Bermudians can embrace this holiday season - to love one another.

In our society, which has been shaped by many different cultures, Bermudian families cherish their own Christmas traditions. It could be a candlelight carol service at Old Christ Church, Devonshire or midnight mass at St. Theresa's. It could be taking the children to the pantomime or watching the Gombeys. It could be singing the magnificent "Hallelujah Chorus" with a church choir or performing in the Philharmonic Society's Christmas Pops Concert. It could be writing for the Christmas story contest or watching the Boat Parade. It could be helping to provide food hampers and gifts to families in need. It could be roast turkey and cassava pie on Christmas Day.

All these different Bermudian holiday traditions - which derive their true meaning from the original Christmas message of joy, hope, peace and love - enrich our culture immeasurably and make our life together on this island much more enjoyable and rewarding.

During the past year, we have seen terrible conflict in other parts of the world. Acts of unspeakable violence and threats of war remind us of how blessed we are to live in Bermuda and to be celebrating this Christmas together. But we don't live in splendid isolation from the rest of the world, and many challenges lie ahead of us. The Christmas season gives us hope that we will face the future with common purpose and the strength that comes from unity.

On behalf of my colleagues in the United Bermuda Party and my family, I extend best wishes to each and every one of you for a happy and safe holiday season and a prosperous and healthy New Year.