THE all-pervasive Festival of Christmas, with all its reflection and celebration, is with us swiftly again. Rooted in the biblical prophecies and fulfillment of the Christian faith, Christmas offers us numerous images and traditions. Indeed, many of the origins of the latter had nothing to do with the early believers welcoming the baby from Bethlehem as one of the bases of their Faith. However, the real reason for the season triumphs over all the commerce and manipulation of the wondrous hope of Christmas.

With those reflections, GAWU joins Guyanese Christians as their community observes this joyous occasion on their calendar. For it is difficult to escape the various elements and facets of the festival. Most Guyanese groups and households voluntarily participate because, like Easter, Mashramani, Phagwah or Diwali, all Guyanese take notice of Christmas. It comes a few days before our calendar year ends. We, therefore, take the opportunity to refresh the spirit and refurbish our homes and surroundings, however haughty or humble.

That is the spirit promoted in all of us who yearn for the hope and potential embodied in the Christ Child, according to Christian belief. His own birth was reportedly the most humble there could be. Then there was persecution and flight from his homeland, until circumstances changed in his country.

So familiar are those themes in our modern times that, right now, we Guyanese are as resilient as saying “hope springs eternal in the human breast”. This is the season to be “jolly”, they say. We still yearn for peace and goodwill to all mankind, wherever they are.

GAWU wishes Guyana well, at this time when the national/public holidays can be used for both merriment and reflection. GAWU hopes that the harmony which abounds at this time can inspire both leaders and citizens to carry that peaceful, productive co-existence into the New Year of 2013.

Merry Christmas and Hopeful, Happy New Year