“Unity must have been part of mankind’s process of learning to see.” - Henry Adams, American historian.
It is that time of year once again: December has come and with it all the joys of Christmas; the message of peace, harmony and love for one another is at the very core of this annual festivity. As authoress Gladys Taber aptly put it, Christmas is also a bridge. We need bridges as the river of time flows past. Today’s Christmas should mean creating happy hours for tomorrow. We are a peace-loving nation. Our hospitality, kindness, altruism and respect for one another are part of our national identity. The events of the last few weeks, however, were shamelessly used by a few to create friction, angst and division.
Christmas 2019
This year, more than ever before, should inspire us to unite, to come forward and extend the hand of friendship to one another, irrespective of our political beliefs, colour or creed. Good and clear intentions are a must and should be constant throughout the new year and beyond.
President George Vella’s Republic Day speech should make us reflect, analyse and dissect the events of the last few weeks impartially and honestly. Our reasoning should go beyond partisan politics and our focus should be on the country’s wellbeing and the common good. We are one nation. Our national identity as Maltese and Gozitans is the glue that binds us together and helps us – for better or for worse – to make sense out of a confusing reality.
It is important that, as a people, we are able to read all sides of every question. National unity does not come from one-sided, misleading or inadequate information but from a sense of freedom, impartially secured, and of opportunity equalised by a just Government that does its utmost to ensure that the rule of law is alive, thriving and effective. Recent facts prove that it will actually continue to be perfected through the necessary legislation in the years to come.
Different but united
Differences in opinion, concepts and philosophies should not divide us. Rather – together and united – our thoughts should be focused on the national interest and repairing the damage to our impeccable image in the international sphere. We have to keep in mind that the economic successes and surpluses of the last few years are heavily reliant on our good name and credibility abroad.
As President Vella said, those who brought doubt to Malta’s reputation in the last few months and weeks were not working in the interest of our country. What happened cannot ever be justified. The way forward is to unite as a nation for the common good of all and rebuild our reputation anew by acting responsibly and proving our worth. We can only do this by building on our successes and actively participating in the decision-making processes of our country.
It is a time to reflect and catch up with our loved ones and friends and participate as citizens in the decision-making processes our country requires. It is a time to celebrate, share and unite. I trust that we can all rise above all the current issues and let our spirit of solidarity and generosity shine through this Christmas as it has done from time immemorial.
Solidarity
It is sad to note that for some people – notwithstanding the great strides made in recent years to eradicate poverty – Christmas is an ordinary time that brings sorrow and loneliness for various reasons. Presents and celebrations can be only a distant dream for them. Some people are too unwell and will spend time in hospitals, either here or abroad, away from their loved ones. Others will be socially isolated for a variety of reasons, such as old age, poorer health and no longer being the hub of their family.
It is important for us to realise that they are also entitled to enjoy the festive season. The real meaning of Christmas is not only presents under the tree, lights in the windows, decorated streets, cards in the mail and sumptuous meals with family and friends. It is a time that should make all the difference for an affluent society that is aware of what solidarity is all about.
The Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation is our country’s largest non- governmental organisation. It relies on our continuous generosity and provides material, financial and professional support to people from all walks of life who are experiencing hardship due to cancer or other severe chronic illness, disability and poverty. It is not hard to understand that we can all make a difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate than us – at least at this time of the year.
Meaningful best wishes
Forgetting our differences, extending our hands in friendship and solidarity and contributing towards l-Istrina will once again bring out the genuine qualities for which our nation is so famous. National solidarity for l-Istrina next Thursday should be extra special. Genuine solidarity has no partisan issues and, as a matter of fact, should be the healthiest reply to such divisive issues. United as one nation we should begin the New Year building on the good we have achieved so far and pushing our nation towards an even more equitable and fair society.
We at the Gozo Ministry have once again brought together all those who tirelessly bring out the huge variety of Gozitan talents for this special period. "Gozo for Christmas" is meant to include one and all who aspire to celebrate our true national identity. It is our way of wishing all Gozitan families and numerous visitors a peaceful and merry Christmas, whilst committing ourselves to further quality service throughout the New Year!