Released on December 10, 2009
Two thousand years ago, a Saviour was born, heralded as bringing good news of great joy to all people.
Jesus came to give us a message of hope, peace, and healing.
He told us to love one another, and taught us how to reach out to others, especially those less fortunate than ourselves.
Saskatchewan is a great place to live, and getting even better. But there are still those in Saskatchewan and many around the world who don't have the privilege of looking forward to a merry Christmas.
We can all do our part in the coming year to ensure each person in this province has a reason to celebrate.
We can reach out to someone in need locally, through hard working groups like the Salvation Army, or by supporting an organization that reaches out to other countries to offer help and hope - like Operation Christmas Child.
Maybe including someone in our Christmas who has suffered illness or loss this year and is experiencing loneliness and sadness instead of joy. Or extending the hand of friendship to one of the many new people we have had moving to Saskatchewan who can't be with family this Christmas.
As author Washington Irving said, "Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the home, and the flame of charity in the heart."
In this coming Olympic year...may this flame be our personal torch.
The gift of time along with a warm heart may add that moment of beauty to someone's life.
Christmas is a great time for those moments.
Imagine Christmas Eve. Inside a church, the lights are dimmed. Each person holds a candle. The tiny flame brings a soft glow to each face above it. Voices are raised and sing the eternal question: "What Child is this?"
As the notes softly end, there is a sense of peace that settles in each heart because Christmas has answered that question.
Reality will soon enough bring back its responsibilities and worries and fears, but each of us needs more of those moments.
Those moments of peace, beauty and harmony. Those moments that come from giving of ourselves.
That is my wish for all of you.
So from me and my wife Tami, our children Megan, Colter and Faith, to everyone in this great province,
"May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace.
The gladness of Christmas give you hope.
The warmth of Christmas grant you love."
Merry Christmas, and a very blessed, healthy and happy New Year.
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