Christmas is a time to reflect, looking back as well as ahead.
A central feature of the Christmas message is one of hope. I think we owe it to ourselves to look ahead optimistically.
Christmas is a time for celebrating and coming together as a community, whilst also appreciating that there may be some among us for whom it is a difficult time and who may need a little encouragement to view the festive season positively.
The highlight of 2025 was marking the 80th anniversary of the Island’s Liberation. We were privileged to have HRH The Princess Royal here, and in Sark, making it such a special occasion.
Importantly, we had many visitors from Biberach, including the Mayor, demonstrating the significance of reconciliation and the enduring friendship between our respective communities.
It was the perfect opportunity to give thanks for the freedoms that we enjoy, and which we possibly rather take for granted. In particular, it was an occasion when that sense of community togetherness was again at the forefront of our minds – something we should aim to achieve more regularly.
This year, I experienced my first ‘away’ Island Games up in Orkney. The fears of poor weather were dispelled by the heatwave we enjoyed!
The people of Orkney were gracious hosts and all our competitors performed admirably. It was a real pleasure for me to be able to support the three Bailiwick teams there.
Looking ahead, the Commonwealth Games will take place next summer in Glasgow. It is a chance for the very best from the Bailiwick to step up once again and I wish them well.
Every year, I thoroughly enjoy meeting all the people who ensure that the Bailiwick is such a special place in which to live. They are what make our wonderful community so rich and I am grateful to each and every one of them for what they do so selflessly.
Without their contribution, all our lives would be so much poorer.
My hope is that peace will be achieved across the world.
The 80th anniversary of the Liberation demonstrates just what enduring peace can mean for us. We should pray that the world’s leaders will continue to strive to eradicate conflict everywhere.
If they fail, lives are needlessly lost and our own experience, from both World Wars, indicates the lasting impact that can have across the community.
Whatever plans you have for Christmas, be it a pantomime, carol service, watching sport or seeing family (or a combination of more than one of those activities), I hope you can enjoy yourselves and will join me in hoping that things will continue to improve.
May I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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