What is Christmas? it is tenderness for the past, courage for the present and hope for the future.
As I carry out my civic duties around the East Riding of Yorkshire, I meet many people who, in their own way, are making a real contribution to their community by carrying out unselfish service in all walks of life and in many unexpected places.
Others find ways to give service in their spare time, through voluntary organisations or simply on their own individual initiative contributing to all that is best within their communities. We must remind ourselves that it is not enough simply to do our jobs; we need to go out and look for opportunities to help those less fortunate than ourselves, even if that service demands sacrifice.
Sadly, the world can never be free from conflict and pain, but Christmas draws our attention to all that is hopeful and good, of the values and qualities that are true and permanent and it reminds us of the goodness in people’s hearts.
Surely the best present we and our families could have is peace. We could start appreciating the best in our loved ones and take the time to enjoy being together which brings the true happiness we all wish for at Christmas; however, my thoughts are also with those who are less fortunate and who are struggling to make their Christmas happy and festive.
Please spare a thought for those who can’t be with their loved ones this year, perhaps because of illness or distance and special thoughts to those in the services spending Christmas on active duty away from home, family and friends.
I am sure that 2010 will bring new challenges for us all and I wish everyone the best of luck with whatever plans they may have.
With every good wish for Christmas and a peaceful New Year and, as Bob Hope once said “My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern is very simple, ‘loving others’. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?”.
Councillor Christopher Matthews
Chairman of East Riding of Yorkshire
Pictured : Councillor Christopher Matthews at the Poppy Launch in Beverley November 2009
Cllr Christopher Matthews the chairman of the East Riding Council declares the Christmas Fair open!
