Today we join the Christian brethen the world-over to celebrate
the feast of Christmas, a significant event in the lives of Christians
as it marks the birth of Jesus Christ and the beginning of the
Christian Era.
Here in The Gambia, the occasion is an important one for all,
Christians and non-Christians alike, for it is not only regarded
as a holy feast for Christendom but a moment of great joy and
thanks-giving for the life of a holy man, a Saviour and Prophet
in both the Christian and Muslim faiths. During this period, communities
around the neighbourhood come together as one to celebrate in
a spirit of true friendship and brotherhood. We should therefore
be thankful to Almighty Allah for blessing us with such wonderful
national attribute for religious tolerance, a blessing that signifies
us as a nation and help keep intact the fabric of our society
and peace and tranquility for which our great nation is known
the world over.
As we celebrate, let us reflect on the essence of Christmas and
the birth of the Holy Prophet, Jesus and the example he set for
peace and love for humanity. The world today indeed is in need
of the example of the Holy Prophet, Jesus for greater justice
and the strength to resist the vices of hate, racism, exploitation
and violence and double standards. In this respect and as we partake
in our merriment, we must not loose sight of our obligation to
our creator, families and friends, communities, loved ones and
above all, our great nation. Let us not be totally indifferent
to human suffering as a result of our consummate preoccupation
with excessive greed and insatiable appetite for material gain
of a few at the expense of millions of human lives. In short,
we should ask ourselves during this period whether we live our
lives and pursue our work according to the spirit and essence
of Christmas and the example of our Holy Prophet, Jesus. How much
do we care and love each other?
Today, the senseless and criminal wars and civil unrests ravaging
continents around the world are all due to man's greed and selfish
quest for supremacy and lack of trust and faith in God. If only
man will resign himself to the designs of the Creator, what a
better place this world will be!
Here in The Gambia, we are grateful to Allah for the relative
peace and tranquility with which we are blessed. Let us pray that
we forever, continue to enjoy this beautiful blessing and strive
to safeguard it for generations to come as there can be no meaningful
development in the absence of peace and security. Peace and stability
are pre-requisites for social and economic development, and indeed
conditions essential to worship God in perfect harmony. Let us
thus solemn use this occasion to pray for our dear nation so that
Allah will continue to shower his bountiful blessings on our small
but peaceful country. Let us resolve to put country before self
and pray that we may be blessed to tackle each and every obstacle
that comes our way. One thing should be clear to all and sundry.
Peace and stability to be maintained at any cost.
As we enjoy the festivities of the occasion, let us remember
those whose nations have been plagued by war and torn apart by
civil strife, especially in Africa and the Middle East and the
US. Our displaced brothers and sisters around the world who have
parted with their families and friends through conflicts and national
calamities need our prayers. May the blessings of season re-unite
them with their loved ones and bring peace and stability to their
doorsteps. May all peoples of the world learn to love, respect,
cherish and tolerate one and other so that we may all live in
perfect peace.
Finally, fellow Gambians and friends of The Gambia spending Christmas
with us, on this joyous occasion of bells and mistletoes, of glad-tidings
and great sacrifice, I wish to seize this pleasant opportunity
to wish you all a very happy feast.
Merry Christmas and May Allah the Almighty bless and protect
us all.
Thank you.
