PM Douglas wishes that the value of relationships be practiced all year round

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, DECEMBER 25TH 2009 (CUOPM) – A Christmas wish that Kittitians and Nevisians will find a way to practice daily the value of relationships all year round and not just at Christmas time, has come from Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas.
 
“The years between Bethlehem and today are many; and life has changed a great deal since then.  Modern life has become so hectic, making us very practical, very focused, very stressed.  At this time of year, however, we hear the Christmas carols and begin to think about Christmases long gone, and Christmases yet to come.  And feelings, that we all know well, are once again awakened.  We find ourselves deeply valuing those relationships that we are fortunate enough to have, and sometimes even being saddened by those broken bonds that we have failed to mend. In these very human ways, then, Christmas brings out the best in us, causing us, more than at any other time of year, to see with our hearts.  And this heightening of our humanity is the most precious Christmas blessing of all,” said Dr. Douglas in his annual Christmas message.
                              
In a radio and television broadcast Friday morning, the St. Kitts and Nevis leader such a practice all year round would uplift and strengthen  nationals individually and the nation as a whole.
 
“At Christmas time, we find ourselves thinking about those who have been kind to us during the year – or over the years; those without whom we would not have gotten that job, or that scholarship.  We find ourselves thinking about those who visited us when we were ill, or who stood by us when everyone else seemed to be walking away.  Relatives who almost never have time for each other gather together on this day,” said the Prime Minister.
 
He told the nation that Christmas does change the human heart and as the day approaches “we find ourselves thinking about persons who may never have had any impact on our lives whatsoever, but whom we feel would be uplifted by a word of cheer.”
 
“And so, we reach out – both to those who have helped us, and those who have not.   We call.  We send a card.  We visit.  We are kinder, and more human, than at any other time of year.  This is known the world over as ‘the spirit of Christmas.’  And this, my fellow Kittitians and Nevisians, is what I would like us to strive, even in some small way, to keep alive in this, our precious nation, all year through,” said Prime Minister Douglas.
 
 
He called on nationals to play their role in stepping forward together and work together to protect, advance, and uplift the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
 
“Like frankincense, Fellow Citizens, let us, at Christmas time and always, strive to be regular parts of meditation and prayer.  Like myrrh, let us strive to be a soothing presence within our families, our communities, and our land.  Let us, like myrrh, strive to be a healer of wounds. Like gold, with its colors from the sun, let us strive to be persons of faith and optimism – for each other, and for our blessed land. Most of all, during this Christmas season, and in the months and years ahead, as we celebrate, as we interact, as we manage our families, and as we protect our nation, let us always be guided by certain bedrock principles.  Like the wise men and the shepherds of Bethlehem, let us be forever guided by a bright, shining star. This Christmas season and always, let that star be the ideals that remind us of who and what we are. Today and always, let that star be our sense of where we came from, as a people, and where we are going. On Christmas Day and beyond, let that star be the sparks of compassion and decency that all nations need in order to thrive.On this special day, let that star be the humility and the appreciation that we owe to the Universe for the endless blessings that we, as a people, have received. Let that star, fellow Kittitians & Nevisians, be the guidance and protection of a merciful God," Prime Minister Douglas concluded as he wished all a very blessed and joyful Christmas.