Once again we join the world-over to celebrate the feast of Christmas
in commemoration of the Holy Prophet Jesus Christ. I wish to take
this opportunity, on behalf of my family and myself, to extend
my sincere gratitude and compliment for a happy and joyful Christmas
to the people of The Gambia in General, and particularly to all
Christians in The Gambia and the rest of the world.
In the Gambia, Christmas is an important occasion for both Christians
and non-Christians. It is a moment of great joy and thanks-giving
for the the holy Prophet and saviour who came into this world
to save mankind from sin, to deliver us from transgression and
reconcile us with our creator, God Almighty. It is a time of hope
and assured salvation; a time to renew our commitment and dedication
to God. It is also a time to extend peace and love, to each other.
During Christmas, communities around the country come together
as one to celebrate in a spirit of true friendship and brotherhood.
We should be thankful to our creator God Almighty for having witnessed
yet another Christmas and for blessing us with such wonderful
national attribute for religious tolerance, that keeps us united
as a country.
Apart from being a period of joy and happiness, it should be
a period of true reflection of the importance of Christmas and
the birth of the Holy Prophet Jesus. It is only by observing these
precepts and virtues, which were exemplified in the life of Jesus
Christ, that mankind will experience the true meaning and fulfill
the purpose of Christmas. This way we would live like true believers,
and avoid being preoccupied with excessive greed at the expense
of millions of human lives. The world today indeed is in need
of the example of the Holy Prophet, Jesus for greater justice
and strength to resist the vices of hate, racism and exploitation.
The senseless wars and civil unrests ravaging continents around
the world are all testimony to the faithlessness and greed of
mankind.
Fellow Gambians
As we celebrate, let us as one people and one nation thank God
Almighty for the gift of life, for His kind and tender mercies,
and for the peace and blessing that He showers over our beloved
country. We must as Gambians, work and pray to love and live together
in peace, unity and harmony, with a common sense of purpose and
vision. It is only through such resolve that we will achieve the
noble aspiration and cherished dream of Vision 2020. We must not
forget that there can be no meaningful development in the absence
of peace and security. Peace and stability are pre-requisite for
social and economical development, and indeed a necessary condition
for worshipping God. History teaches that the building of peace
cannot be ensured without respect for an ethical and juridical
order as the saying goes "Preserve order and order will preserve
you". Let us therefore be thankful to Allah for the relative
peace with which, we are blessed and pray that we forever, continue
to enjoy this blessing and do our best to safeguard it for generations
to come.
Fellow Gambians
I hope and pray that during this Christmas season and beyond,
all Gambians will rededicate themselves to work hard for a better
and brighter future, and for a more progressive and prosperous
Gambia by living honestly on our own sweat.
May the merriment, happiness and fulfillment that come with Christmas
continue to dwell among all Gambians and all mankind, may the
blessing and goodness of God Almighty continue to shine on us.
A joyful Christmas to you all.
