My fellow St. Maarteners,
God has given us the awesome gift of being able to wake up this morning and with grateful hearts, thanking him for sparing our lives to see and enjoy another Christmas with our family and friends. And for this gift, the greatest of them all, we are forever thankful. I am often reminded of what the true meaning of Christmas is, " a gift to mankind". A gift that has freed those who were spiritually and mentally enslaved, a gift that has healed those who were sick, a gift that has fed those who were hungry, a gift that has clothed so many who were naked, and roofs over the heads of families. That is the gift we ought to be excited for this Christmas.
I am also aware that many families have woken up this morning with the spiritual gifts of Christmas but not the physical ones that they so dyer need. Many are sick and alone praying to be healed, in anticipation of not only a phone call but a visit from a friendly face. Many families in our community today are like the son of God, with no place to lay there heads. And there are those who will not be able to sit at a table, to partake in a meal like we have prepared.
In knowing all of this, I also know the hearts of the people of this great island. A heart of love, a heart of compassion and a heart of giving. For it is the bible that teaches, for much which is given, much is required. There was a man of faith that died and when he reached the throne, God said depart from me, I never knew you, and the man replied, God have I not sang in your name, have i not told others of your goodness, God replied yes you have. But when I was hungry, you never fed me, when I was naked, you never clothed me, when I was shut in, you never visited me. For what you do to the least of your brethren, you also do it unto me. So I say to the people of St. Maarten, let this be a Christmas like no other, Let today be the day that will change the hearts of our people forever. Let us give a gift to someone in need, the true GIFT of Christmas. God bless you and may God continue to bless my people of this great island.
Sincerely,
MP Romain J Laville
