By Sue-Ann Wayow
AS Christmas Day draws nearer, many families in Trinidad and Tobago are either mourning the death of a loved one due to Covid-19, battling the virus themselves or in quarantine because of contact with a Covid positive person.
While the season may not be looking as bright and merry for many, citizens are being encouraged to find hope in the darkness and while the virus might be spreading, to instead spread love, peace and joy to each other.
On Friday in Parliament, as the session closed, Christmas greetings were given from both sides of the Chamber and members and citizens were reminded to not forget the reason for the season, the birth and the circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ.
Member of Parliament for Diego Martin Central Symon de Nobriga said greetings on behalf of the Government’s side.
Over the years, it has become very easy to drown out the true meaning of the most sacred times for Christians around the world which is the birth of their lord and saviour Jesus Christ, de Nobriga said.
He added that God took on human flesh in very humble settings – a manger.
De Nobriga said citizens this Christmas should also give a gift of putting others first.
“What better gift can we give to each other than the gift of life through personal responsibility for our own behaviour and protection through vaccination. Today even as we mourn the loss of family and loved ones, let us commit to better appreciate our loved ones and do everything within our power to protect them even as we battle with the limitations or our movements that our personal responsibility must impose.”
He also asked that citizens commit to spending more quality time with families at home.
“Let us commit to the spreading of love and care that those most in need,” de Nobriga said.
He said,“No matter what your Christmas looks like, let Jesus Christ come and find his manger near you.”
Have hope like Mary and Joseph
Member of Parliament for Pointe-a-Pierre David Lee spoke on behalf of the Opposition.
He said, “We offer our hearts and prayers to a nation truly yearning for a better tomorrow in this blessed Christmas season.”
Referring to the parents of Jesus, Mary and Joseph who searched tirelessly for a place to rest prior to Jesus’s birth, Lee said the message of Christmas was about finding hope.
“Today many families in our nation aren’t asking for luxuries or riches. Given the turmoil they have faced, all they want to know is how do we go forward with our lives again. This Christmas, let us be like Mary and Joseph, by keeping faith and moving forward. This Christmas let us remember that God always guides us on life’s journey. Let us find that hope to go forward,” he said.
Parliament has been adjourned to a date to be fixed.
