At Christmas time in most of the Christian world people are called upon to reflect and hope, to remember and forget, to love and forgive. It is also the time in Montserrat, when it is easy to do none of those things but just let loose in frolic and fun and concentration on the ills that some of this will bring.
It has become the time of year, since the volcanic crisis moved into full swing, when instead of the money bearing visitors come, it is now those refuge seekers who return to see if there is anything they have missed or just to check on how things are being kept for when they may return, or just to keep a little ‘snow out of their brains,’ and have fun in the sunshine.
Whatever it is and however it turns out, at this Christmas time, one wishes that he could spread the word of hope as the season demands. WE wish to remind that we should at some point, those who are not that inclined, join with those who wish to reflect and be serious at some point because the year is ending and there is still the talk, getting even stronger about hard times that are fall on us.
It is easy to blind and forget the real focus of Christmas, but in this Christian community, it should always be easy to bring seriousness into the fun and joy. So yes, bring the Christ mass and hope becomes easy. And when prayers are added to the hope, reality of prosperity and joy will be evident. But when you pray, let it be in the contemplation that care is taken to be cautious and careful.
Take time and do not yield to the temptation to forget what is most important, lest we forget the young who depend on their elders to contend for their happiness at the end like never before and a fresh beginning in the New Year.
In the end of it all, let the hope of Christ dwell in our hearts that we can love and cherish what we do have, and give thanks even for that we wished and didn’t have. Not easy you say, but it will lighten the burden and give the strength and courage to go on to heights unknown.
Have a holy and merry Christmas and blessings for the New Year.