Governor-General's Christmas Speech 2008

May I begin with a quotation?
This night bestowed peace on the whole world;
so, let no one threaten;
This is the night of the Most Gentle One -
let no one be cruel;
This is the night of the Most Humble One -
let no one be proud.
Now is the day of joy -
let us not revenge;
Now is the day of good will -
let us not be mean-spirited.
In this day of peace
let us not be conquered by anger.
Today the Bountiful impoverished Himself for our sake;
so, rich one, invite the poor to your table.
Today we received a gift for which we did not ask;
so let us give alms to those who implore us and beg.
This present day cast open the heavenly door to our prayers;
let us open our door to those who ask our forgiveness.
Now the Divine Being took upon Himself the seal of humanity,
in order for humanity to be adorned by the seal of Divinity.
-- St. Isaac of Nineveh

The trouble of course comes from the application. To refrain from threats when we ourselves are threatened is no easy task. To refuse to be cruel to those who have defrauded us, that have taken what is rightfully ours by force, is not something simply done. To remember our place before God when we hear the acclaim of men is counter to our nature.

To remember mercy when we could have vengeance is to be seen as week. To repay spite with the kindness requires that we refuse to demand our due. To live peaceably with our neighbors we must control our own anger – for we can not control their actions.

We are all rich in this fair Dominion. We may not all have a feast of meat and bread spread before us, but we do all have at least one gift from the Father of Lights that He wishes us to share. Some of course, do have the great feast ready, we must remember that our Lord said to invite those who could not return the favour, that the favour may be returned at His table. Others may need to share a word of encouragement, or instruction. Some may need to share of themselves with those who have lost hope.

We are called to show the world that we are His by our love.
Let us renew our commitment to answer this call.

As we live out the faith, both we and our neighbor will be better able to enjoy that Happy Christmas we wish each other.

Happy Christmas!

God save the Queen and Her Majesty's Subjects in all Her Realms.