PM Spencer, wife Jacklyn and daughter J’Nai joined by a group of children during a recent Christmas party View photo »

Fellow Citizens;
Members of the Diaspora;
Residents;
Visitors;
Friends of Antigua and Barbuda
around the world:

I greet you on this celebration of the Birth of Jesus as members of One Family, Antigua and Barbuda.

In observing the miracle of Christ’s birth, we are among more than four billion persons around the planet who cross the boundaries of nationality, race, culture and creed to celebrate this important date on the Christian calendar.

Nothing in the history of humankind has given greater universal hope than the life that began in that manger in Bethlehem two millennia ago.

Christ’s teachings and his example have ennobled every generation since his birth, and will ennoble every generation to come.

The most important precepts that Jesus wanted us to respect and practice are that we should honour the Almighty; that we should love our neighbour as we love ourselves; and that we should do unto others the way we would have others do unto us.

We remember these precepts at Christmas, and we open our hearts and our generosity to our neighbours.

How wonderful it would be if for all of us, these sentiments would be other than short-lived and occasional.

However, no matter how rarely we embrace these sentiments and embody them in our disposition to our neighbours; it still makes the world a better place.

While we celebrate Christmas with our loved ones, we think too little of those who love us in the service that they give for our benefit, all year round.

We must thank our nurses and our doctors and other care givers; our police and military officers; our immigration and customs personnel; and all the other public servants who are on the job throughout this season of celebration.

I thank them all and I express my gratitude to them.

I express deep appreciation to our religious leaders of all faiths for their continuing guidance to this Christian nation.

I continue to seek humility, courage and strength in serving our nation.

I welcome and thank you for your encouragement and for your prayers.

My wife, Jackie; daughter J’nai, son Juno and my entire family, join me in extending heartfelt wishes to you and your loved ones for a happy, holy and safe Christmas.

At this time of mirth and merriment, I urge you to spare a prayer for those whose circumstances are less fortunate, including those stricken with AIDS.

I urge caution and moderation over this extended Christmas weekend.

Above all, my friends and brothers and sisters, I urge that you think as kindly of your neighbour throughout the year as you do in this season of generosity.

Let us thank God for his love and generosity in lending us his Son, Jesus for a short while on this earth; and for all eternity in the spirit and the hearts of people of all places, all tongues, and all times.

May God bless our family, Antigua and Barbuda.