Govt, Opposition extend message of peace, goodwill at Christmas

As Guyana today joins the rest of the world in celebrating Christmas, both the Government and Opposition have, in separate messages to the nation, urged Guyanese to work together to spread peace and goodwill.
Both the Government and the Opposition have also urged Guyanese to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.
President David Granger, in his message on behalf of the Government, has said the sacred festival of Christmas that celebrates Jesus’s birth – in a lowly manger, a long time ago in the town of Bethlehem – was a sign of the divine desire for worldwide peace, and of compassion for the common folk.
The Head of State said Christians and non-Christians alike can observe this festival by promoting peace and goodwill between each other – in homes, factories, fields, offices and neighbourhoods.
“Let us embrace the universal values of peace and goodwill, and extend to everyone the Guyanese tradition of hospitality this year and in the future. Let us all work together,” the President said.
The Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Christmas message reflected on the reason for the season, stating that Christmas is well known for a time when families gather and affectionately embrace friends and neighbours, and warmly share the joy of the season.
“Our children especially look forward to the treats, the gifts, and of course the special dishes. It is in this spirit that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) extends Christmas greetings to all Guyanese, and more particularly our brothers and sisters in the Christian Community,” the party said in a statement.
The PPP/C also noted that the birth of the Christ child was meant to revive hope and turn sorrows and mourning into celebration, knowing that the world would no longer be in darkness because a bright star did appear to guide mankind to new hope.
“In the journey of Jesus’s life from abject poverty and a mere unknown born in a manger to a life of becoming an ineffable figure, he crossed barriers, broke down walls of prejudice, embraced the outcasts, defended the voiceless, and engaged the powerful; and by doing so, he brought salvation to the whole world,” it added.
The party has said that during this season, the elderly, differently-abled, and underprivileged will be specially remembered. It also encouraged Guyanese in their caring and sharing to extend their arms to even a stranger.
“In the true Guyanese spirit, as a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-religious society, the message of love is apt.
The People’s Progressive Party/Civic joins with all Guyanese in the celebration of the birth of the Christ child, while reflecting on its true meaning and significance. Merry Christmas!”