Christmas Greetings from Warren Truss
21st December, 2012
Christmas is a very special time of the year when family and friends gather together, some travelling long distances, to celebrate in warm and familiar company the year that has passed and begin to think of the year ahead.Christmas is much more than an occasion of breakups and parties, or even the attractive lights and special gifts. The symbols of Christmas highlight the joyous reason for our festivity.
Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ whose love brought salvation and the message of peace and goodwill to all.
Those who seek to take Christ out of Christmas or Christmas out of the holidays lose the central reason for the celebrations and their special meaning and purpose.
How well the happy Christmas message reaches out in our society depends on our willingness to extend a helping hand and offer a caring heart.
For those who have recently lost loved ones or who are far from home, Christmas can be a hard time, but the precious memories of happier times shared together can help to bring everyone closer.
As we celebrate with family and friends, it is important to remember in the true spirit of Christmas the people in our community who are less fortunate - the homeless, the jobless, the sick, and those spending Christmas alone - and consider what we might be able to do to comfort those in need.
We thank also all those who must work this Christmas Day to maintain essential services and care for those in need.
This is a time of the year when there is so much more traffic and tiring long distance drivers on our roads. The roads will be hazardous, especially if the weather is wet. Please be cautious and courteous. Your patience on crowded roads could help to avoid a tragic Christmas for some.
Lyn and I extend our very best wishes for a happy and safe Christmas season and a successful 2013. May everyone enjoy this time of giving and sharing with their loved ones, family and friends.
