Released on December 10, 2004
"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them"That passage is from the 2nd Chapter of Luke. It tells of how the humble, hardworking and homeless shepherds were the first to hear the message of hope on the first Christmas.
In our time, the spirit of Christmas lives on. And like that first Christmas, it's heard and then relayed by people who don't get many headlines.
It lives on when someone volunteers to wake up at the crack of dawn, and run the snack bar at the local arena.
The message of hope is delivered when parents drive young children to sports practice.
It's heard in the voices of hospital volunteers, who bring comfort and encouragement to our sick.
It can be heard in the voices of teachers across the province, trying to build a brighter future, one mind at a time.
The message of hope can be heard in the voices of police officers, offering help and support in times of crisis, and acting as role models in their communities.
It's shared by the volunteers who donate and pack food, or who give of their time and talents to teach life skills at Saskatchewan food banks.
It can be heard soft and low and in the night when we're all sleeping soundly; voices on the many crisis and help lines, staffed by people who don't just talk about making the world a better place, but actually do something.
The important message of that first Christmas is embodied in the spirit of every Saskatchewan volunteer, trying to bring a little hope into the world.
And in this holiday season, I salute them.
May the hope and peace of the First Christmas abide with you this holiday season, and throughout the New Year.
On behalf of Tami, Megan, Colter and Faith, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our house to yours.
-30-
For More Information, Contact:
| Official Opposition's Office Phone: (306) 787-4300 |