“Peace on earth and goodwill toward humankind is a message we should all hold dear, especially this Christmas.
“A year ago, the conflict in Ukraine was already deeply troubling. It was having an impact on the supply of goods, which were costing significantly more for us all. Whoever would have thought there would be such fighting on the edges of Europe? This year, the fighting in Gaza brings into even sharper focus why each of us should pray for peace in those areas across the globe where battles are raging and unnecessary blood is being shed.
“During the First World War, there was a Christmas truce in 1914. It was supposedly the ‘war to end all wars’, but recent experience sadly demonstrates that was a forlorn hope. Putting aside differences, being tolerant and respectful are all qualities we hope leaders possess. At this time, if we all have the collective will to do so, we might aspire to do whatever we can to bring a sense of peace and general goodwill into our own lives, which in turn might spread beyond our shores and have an effect in those places most in need of a lasting peace.
“In this Bailiwick, we are fortunate to live in a peaceful society. Comparatively, any conflicts that exist here are minimal compared with what other people face and we ought to be grateful for that. However, goodwill to humankind involves us coming together as a community on a daily basis, working for the common good, and not only from time to time. There is a risk that we find we need to concentrate on our own lives, which is understandable, especially when inflation has been much higher than in recent years, which means we may forget why it matters to show support to others across our community who are less well off.
“I applaud all those organisations who do what they can to make the lives of those across our community as tolerable as they can be. There are charities that want to bring a smile to the faces of children who will receive an unexpected Christmas present, and which makes such a difference to their wellbeing. If we show that we care about others who form such an important part of our community, we improve their lives and probably also reap the benefits of feeling better ourselves.
“Each Christmas offers an opportunity to reflect on the past year and look ahead with hope to the coming year. A highlight of 2023 was hosting the Island Games in July. I was delighted at how well they went. Much of that success was down to planning but would not have happened without the wonderful community spirit evident throughout the week. The whole community shared the experience of getting together and embracing the joy of welcoming so many visitors to our Island. The support for all teams, and not just for the Islands of the Bailiwick, was truly impressive. People went out of their way to ensure that competitors and spectators reached where they needed to be and got back to where they wanted to go. The level of care offered was much appreciated by everyone and we showed just how welcoming a place Guernsey is.
“I have also again enjoyed getting out and about as much as I can. It is a privilege to meet so many different people from different walks of life and to learn something about what they do and why it helps to make the Bailiwick such a special place for us all. Levels of volunteering are always high, but I would encourage those who have some spare time to think about what each can do to give something back to our community, just in case the pool of willing volunteers starts to shrink.
“For me, the run-up to Christmas starts in earnest with a pantomime. It is such a tradition, along with carol services, all of which leads step by step to the big day itself. I hope that this Christmas will enable each person to do what they most enjoy, whether that is staying in, with family, friends or both, or going out, and that we all remember to give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy.
“Looking ahead to 2024, let us do so with hope in our hearts. However bleak things might feel, we really have more to be thankful for than many and it would be fantastic to build on the community spirit that we often witness. Perhaps each of us might venture outside of our comfort zones – I know I should – and think about trying something new, whatever that might be. There is a richness across the Bailiwick into which we can tap as we all strive to extend goodwill as widely as we can.
“I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”