Merry Christmas - Season's Greetings - Happy Hanukkah - Peaceful Ramadan - Blessed Kwanzaa!

No matter what you celebrate - the holiday season is a special time when families and friends come together to share in a spirit of peace, hope and goodwill.

For Christians, Christmas represents the celebration of a unique birth ... the birth of the Christ Child - the baby Jesus, who was born to save the world.

Jesus was the most expensive and wonderful gift that we could ever receive.

He was a gift from the heart - and each year at this time, we are challenged to emulate that gift.

We are challenged to demonstrate the true meaning for this day and give a gift that is always in fashion; one that is tailor-made for every recipient, and within everyone's budget ... the gift of ourselves!

Let us remember those who will spend this season without the support of family and friends; those who will spend it without the comfort of material blessings; those who will spend the holidays in hospitals or other institutions; and those who will spend this season without the presence of a cherished loved one.

Let us remember too, those who serve Bermuda, even during the holidays - giving of their time and effort to help others in need through the emergency services and through the essential services, whether maintaining the island's transportation system, or serving our guests in the hospitality industry.

I take this opportunity to thank all the people of Bermuda for the significant and meaningful contributions you have made to the country this year.

Once again, the world is poised on the edge of war. There is conflict and strife around the globe and yet - we in Bermuda - who are blessed to be living in a beautiful and prosperous country - spend so much time focusing on what is wrong - that we fail to be thankful for what is right.

And there is much that is right! Every day in this world - including today - there are people living in fear, hunger, or despair. Bermuda is not immune to these events, although we are removed from many of the immediate experiences, for living among us - are those who feel despair, and those who yearn for positive human interaction.

This season, resolve to bring joy into someone's life, to extend just a little of our own goodwill towards all the men and women across our wonderful island. We can all learn from the life of the Christ Child and place the spirit of Christmas at the centre of our every word, thought and deed ... not just in this festive season; but throughout the year ahead.

Although we each celebrate this Holiday Season in our own special way, we should focus on those things we share in common, rather than on those things that separate us.

In the spirit of joy and goodwill that abounds at this time of year, and on behalf of my family and the entire Government of Bermuda, I wish each of you songs to fill your heart ... joy to warm your spirit ... and peace to fill your life with wonder.

As we look forward to another New Year, another New Beginning, happiness and prosperity to all!