"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill towards men." Luke 2:14

No account of the Christmas Story more accurately reflects the feelings of those of us who believe, than that of the apostle Luke.

The heavenly hosts' proclamation at the birth of the Christ-child over 2000 years ago echoes even today as we wish Seasons Greetings to one another.

2007 has been memorable for so many reasons. In June our Island mourned the passing of Dame Lois Browne-Evans.

Her life and example were celebrated in a manner befitting her heroic status in Bermuda.

Another family is without a community icon too, Bishop Goodwin C. Smith passed on last month and we remember him as a great man of God and a truly committed public servant.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those two families in particular as they spend a Christmas without one they, and we, loved so dearly.

The angels' rejoicing at the birth of Jesus commends to us the pursuit of peace here on earth and the extension of goodwill to all men.

December's election campaign often descended into personal attacks and pitted us as Bermudians one against the other.

Yet this is the season of harmony and peace.

Let us remember that, and unite as one Bermuda aglow in the light of the holiday spirit.

Our expressions of goodwill must not be confined to just this yuletide season.

Christmas is more than one day; its sentiments are meant to be within us throughout the year. When the carols are no longer sung and temperatures have warmed, "goodwill to all men" is still required of us.

The year 2008 holds much promise for Bermuda.

We shall set about the people's business in the Legislature with greater energy than ever before.

Let us resolve that while we express ourselves as our democracy demands, we will do so with respect, recognizing that men and women of different views can still want the best for Bermuda.

On behalf of the Government of Bermuda, Wanda and I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill towards men."