Having
observed Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ, and recognized the day with
religious ceremonies, thanksgiving, cultural activities among other forms of
Gambian special celebrations, we are left with the true spirit of the occasion;
that is, what Christ stood and still stands for – love for one another, peace
and unity, extricating oneself of the vices of hatred and wickedness and to be
of service to our community and fellow human beings.
We can rightly say the virtues of Christ captured in the various messages delivered by our religious leaders and the President of the nation should serve as sound pieces for instruction, love, admonition, correction and knowledge in leading our lives in this vale of tears.
We could not but bring out extracts of these messages and lessons for the good of all:
His Excellency President Yahya Jammeh, in his Christmas message, says: “As you celebrate and enjoy the feast, let us remember that the true spirit of Christmas is to extricate oneself from evil deeds, wish for peace, progress and to enjoy goodwill to all nations.
“These cannot be demonstrated without a true manifestation of forgiveness, reconciliation, kindness and love in all our dealings with each other. After all, we are brothers and sisters in one human family, created by the One and only Almighty God.”
Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of The Gambia, and Chairperson of Gambia Christian Council, the Most Reverend Hannah Caroline Faal-Heim, says:
“This is the good news of Christmas: God cares and He loves us and He does not leave us alone. In his Son, Jesus Christ, He comes to us because He wants to give us hope. In Jesus, He wants to forgive our sins and He wants to save us from the consequences of our sins.In Jesus He wants to give us hope that with God’s help we can overcome the things we are afraid of. Yes, in Jesus there is always hope.
“May God Almighty fill our hearts and minds with joy, hope, peace and love as we celebrate this Christmas.”
Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Banjul, the Most Reverend Robert Patrick Ellison Cssp, says:
“What can we do? There is just one thing: take time to visit a crib (at home or in Church) during the 12 days of Christmas. Other than that, just bow down in adoration and marvel at the mystery of God becoming man. Yes, just bow down in silence – no need to say anything or do anything. Listen in your heart to the angels singing: Glory to God in the highest; and on earth, peace among men of goodwill. And remember those words: simplicity was honored; poverty was exalted; and humility was praised’.”
“All differences in this world are of degree, and not of kind, because oneness is the secret of everything.”
Swami Vivekananda
