My brothers and sisters, I am sure you will agree that Christmas 2005 is an extra special one for all Jamaicans because it gives us the opportunity to celebrate our victories.
Christmas is also the right time to recall the strengths of the past, and identify and share the good that exists around us.
Unquestionably, this Yuletide Season affirms that there is a divine purpose for humanity, and encourages people to rekindle their commitment to focus more on those principles and moral values that are central to life.
Throughout this past year, despite all our disabilities and events that could be regarded as sordid, our excellent spirit of volunteerism was evident in both the public and private spheres.
The spirit of community remained vibrant and exemplified the possibility for people of varying backgrounds and cultures to live in harmony and maintain a relatively high standard of living.
As a people we remained a formidable force in the world, and we received many awards for the excellent and superior products and services that we offer in many fields of endeavour.
Theologically, Christmas is the celebration of the incarnation of God in Jesus the Christ – the self-revelation of God to the world in human form for the reconciliation of humanity to Himself.
This act of God stemmed from a heart of goodwill and love.
Let us, therefore, in our celebrations express these sentiments to others, and bring joy and healing to broken hearts and scarred relationships.
Let us make a deliberate effort to re-establish the bridges of love and understanding which have fuelled our deep sense of community, sharing, unselfishness and love for each other and our country.
I encourage the more fortunate Jamaicans to use the great gifts God has given to extend cheer to the more vulnerable groups amongst us, and thereby empower them to enjoy the Christmas season and to live life to the fullest.
May the joys of this season burst forth in your hearts as you allow the Holy God to truly dwell among us, and bring a renewed sense of vision and purpose for the coming year.
I extend to every Jamaican my most sincere wish for a very Merry Christmas.