The
Christmas story is a magical one that resonates with every Fijian –
the birth of a baby and the promise of joy and renewal.
For
Christians, the celebration of the arrival of the Christ Child is
especially significant. Jesus wasn’t on earth for long, reputedly
just 33 years before he was crucified and God’s purpose was
fulfilled. But his message of love and redemption continues to echo
through the ages.
Christmas
is easily the happiest day on the Christian calendar. And the other
faiths in Fiji join their Christian brothers and sisters to celebrate
because the Christmas message is for everyone.
It
is beautifully simple. “Behold, I bring you tidings of great joy.
For unto you a child is born. Unto you a son is given”.
Jesus
wasn’t born into a wealthy or powerful family. Far from it.
Mary
and Joseph – his parents - were poor ordinary people. As the
greatest story of the Bible tells us, Mary gave birth in a stable
surrounded by cattle and sheep, not in a fancy house surrounded by
servants.
What
does this mean? I believe that God honours the poor and the humble,
not the mighty and the powerful. He sides with the downtrodden and
the dispossessed. He gives comfort to the homeless, like those
Fijians affected by the terrible force of Cyclone Evan. And he
invites us all to reflect this Christmas Day on the amazing power of
a simple story about a new-born baby lying in a manger.
When
Jesus grew up, he said something very important about how we should
all treat each other that applies to people of all religious faiths.
“ Love one another as I have loved you”. Christ’s teachings of
love, compassion and tolerance are relevant to every Fijian. They are
shared by the other great religions in Fiji and should be at the
centre of all our lives.
As
your Prime Minister, I ask that we reflect on them – along with the
values we all share and that bind our beloved country together - as
we come together as families and friends to celebrate this special
day.
Last
week, those values helped us to withstand the onslaught of Cyclone
Evan. We came together as a nation and again showed the world our
unique Fijian Spirit. We especially thank God that he spared every
one of us to celebrate this very special day.
I
wish you all a Merry Christmas.
J.V
Bainimarama
Prime
Minister
2 comments:
Croz, where is the usual chorus of critics? Maybe they're nursing Christmas hangovers.
this bloke is losing his way - the constitution is published and its been a week, and nothing. the american paymasters will not be happy; they need appalsuearound now
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