By Prior Beharry
IT maybe contrary to common sense to expect a season of peace this Christmas as Trinidad and Tobago sees an appalling murder rate, devastating floods and a skyrocketing cost of living.
This is the feeling of President Paula-Mae Weekes in her Christmas message for 2022.
She said, “It may seem counterintuitive to expect a season of peace when living in a climate of peril and insecurity—the alarming and appalling murder rate, recent devastating flooding, and the skyrocketing cost of living are among the things which, if allowed, can surely disturb or displace any feeling of peace.”
President Weekes said peace comes from within.
She said, “Despite being buffeted by external factors we can experience a peace that comes from within.
“Christians express it as a peace that transcends all understanding. Such peace allows us to keep focussed on and work our plans and accomplish our goals even as we exert energy and effort to deal with challenges and hindrances.
“It is the ability to maintain a state of harmony, tranquillity, serenity and calm amid the tumult of daily life. One can practise prayer, mindfulness, meditation, yoga or even deep breathing in an attempt to be internally unmoved and undaunted when confronted by the vicissitudes of life. It might need to be a daily discipline in order to be successful.”
President Weekes said may families will be without the trapping of Christmas.
She said, “Many families across the nation will be without the trappings of Christmas or even bare necessities this year and one may well wonder how they can be joyful in this setting.
“There is no easy answer, however, the generosity of benefactors, the presence and camaraderie of friends and family, the sharing of whatever little one has and the comfort of faith are all potential sources of joy.
“Biblically, joy and thankfulness are inextricably linked, perhaps because a spirit of gratitude allows us to appreciate the many blessings that we take for granted, especially when we are in need.”
She added, “It may take an active search, and a deep dive, phrases not usually associated with joy, to unlock that state of being, but it is not impossible.”
President Weekes said sacrificial love was not lacking in T&T.
She said, “We are not often called upon to give such sacrificial love, although the heroic acts of many of our citizens, often at great personal risk are apt demonstrations of this divine principle.”
President Weekes said, “In this Christmas season let us love each other freely, extravagantly, deeply and unconditionally, and may the seasons of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love continue long after the twelve days of Christmas are over.”
