CHRISTMAS has always been a special time from the very first Christmas when the birth of a child to a chosen couple brought joy to many. But Christmas has also been marred by tragedies and unfortunate incidents. Even at the time of celebration for Mary and Joseph and the Jews, who were looking for a messiah and believed that the messiah had come, they were the ones who did not welcome this message.

As the Christian Holy Scriptures tells the story that as many were expressing joy at the birth of Jesus, King Herod ordered the execution of all males in the kingdom went he got the news. We are reminded that even as some took time to share in the good news of hope for all mankind and share cheer to the less fortunate there are others who will always see the negatives in every occasion.
Like King Herod, the message of hope for people will never be welcomed by them as they seek to capitalise on the misfortunes of individuals to ensure that they achieve their narrow personal agendas.
If one were to reflect on Guyana over the past year it is not difficult to see the hope and confidence that people, ordinary Guyanese continue to place in this country. Like the message of hope that came that first Christmas to the ordinary people, so the personal successes of the ordinary citizens of Guyana inspire hope for all. These successes are reflected in every family that now lives in their own home as a result of the massive housing drive unveiled by the Government after taking office. They also include the number of small businesses that allow individuals to be self-employed, whether it is the minibus or taxi owners or the shop-front business.
What about the families who are now hopeful as they see their children enjoying a better quality education as a result of the new schools that were established in their communities and an intensified training teacher-training programme, the improved access to health care because of the increase in trained medical personnel manning the facilities in all communities? These are the messages of hope that the ordinary Guyanese should understand. These stories should be seen as an inspiration to others to utilise the opportunities available to them to work towards improving their lot.
Like the story of the first Christmas, the joy that was felt by those who heard and understood the news should be shared and explained to those who still wonder from where their inspiration comes.
It may be important and inspiring as the celebrations of the Christmas winds down and the hope and challenges of the New Year approaches that all reflect on the progress made over the years and draw inspiration.
Let progress continue.