Christmas message by Konris Maynard – Labour Candidate for Constiuency #3
Basseterre, St. Kitts–“And the angel said unto them, 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.” Luke 2:10-11
Many years ago, a child was born to save mankind and every year around this time we are reminded of the spirit of Christmas which is peace, the miracle of Christmas which is hope, and the heart of Christmas which is love. This represents the good tidings of great joy which is for all people.
As a growing Nation, it sometimes appears that it is only for this short time in December that we embody these essential characteristics of Christmas. However, for our continued development as a Nation and advancement as a people we should remember and practice these ideals of Christmas all year around.
The Prince of Peace offers a peace that passes all understanding. This gift of peace is not only for the Christmas Season but also for Easter, for summer, and even for our political season. Our discourse must express peace even amidst our differences. When we find peace within ourselves, we become the kind of people who can live at peace with others.
Our Christ was born to the Virgin Mary. This miracle of Christmas provides hope that even the unlikely is very much possible. As we believe this at Christmas time when we tell of this good news to our children, let it provide hope throughout the year that our dreams and aspirations for our country, family, friends, and ourselves are within reach. Let us remain hopeful although events at home and abroad suggest that our world and people are growing further apart rather than closer together. Romans 12 and verse 12 tells us ‘Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.’
At the Heart of Christmas is Love; love for God, love for country, love for family, love for friends, love for self, and love for all! The Good Book tells us in the Gospel of Luke, “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
As I have offered myself as a humble servant to represent the good people of Constituency #3, it is my fervent prayer that in peace, we can join hearts and hands to build a better community, in hope, we will find comfort in believing that we can achieve great things together, and in love we will commune with each other to continue to make our nation great!
At this Christmas, I wish you all the timeless treasures of Christmas; the warmth of home, the love of family and the company of good friends.
May the peace and joy of our Savior be with you and your family this Christmas and throughout the New Year.
Merry Christmas, a Peaceful Festive Season, and a Prosperous New Year to you!