ESSENTIAL MESSAGE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27581, 26 December 1950, Page 4

ESSENTIAL MESSAGE

SPIRIT OF UNSELFISHNESS PA WELLINGTON, Dec. 25. “A year ago today I had the pleasure and the honour of giving my first Christmas message as Prime Minister to the people of my, country,” said Mr Holland in his Christmas message. “ Today, when we are all gathered in our homes with our families to celebrate Christmas again, I wish you the joys of this season and I thank you all for the help you have given me in my first year of office, tor us all, Christmas is a family occasion and the family is the keystone of our whole way of life.”

“It is quite right that we should be happy today and try to spread this happiness around us. May I add, without striking a single discordant note, that Christmas is not only a time for personal and family enjoyment. At Christmas, we should consider the interests, welfare and happiness of others. Especially should we try to avoid any action that may militate against that happiness. But I think we shquld all remember that Christmas is not only a time for merriment —it is also a time when we should reflect on that essential message that has echoed through the ages—‘Peace on earth, goodwill towards men.’

“Now, possibly more than ever in the past, the world needs to follow the teachings of Him Whose birth we celebrate today. Lasting peace will come only when goodwill is established in the hearts of men everywhere. It may seem strange to talk of peace on earth at a time when the nations of' the world are facing a future' that is misty with uncertain fears and anxieties. But the fact that Christmas is stilLrecognised as a universal festival gives solid ground for the belief that ‘ The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth, goodwill to men.’ “Tomorrow, after spending this day with my own family, I shall be flying to London—to the heart of our great Commonwealth and Empire—where all the Prime Ministers of our family of nations will meet to discuss the tremendous issues that face us today. Because of the thoughts brought vividly to my mind by this Christmas season, I am more conscious than ever of the high responsibilities of my mission. But I shall take with me the encouragement of your good wishes and prayers on what" I feel is a Christian mission most, appropriate to this sacred season. I am grateful for the fact that in my work with the councils of the Commonwealth I shall be building on the sure foundations laid by previous Prime Ministers of New Zealand. In all our international dealings we can justly claim to belong to a Christian nation and in that lies our strength. “And now let us,- at this time, give special thought to things very personal to our own community. Let us remember those fine young New Zealanders who have gone to fight the battle of the United Nations for freedom and justice. Let us pause in the midst of our rejoicings to think of them today and to wish them a safe and speedy return to their homeland and their families. Let us remember, too, those who are laid low in illness or grief; those who are lonely and have no one with whom to share the joys of this day, and let us try to make their lot easier:

“Then again, celebrating Christmas with us this year, are new settlers, not only from Britain but from the countries of Europe, and I wish them joy in this, their first Christmas in New Zealand. As we enjoy the conviviality of this day, let us all remember that we are all one'family under God, not just in this country or in the Commonwealth, but in all the nations of the earth. This is the day for counting our blessings and for spreading wellbeing about us. If only we can carry that spirit with us into 1951 the future will be brighter. To one and all—a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.”