Christmas is a time for coming together with those special to us and appreciating what is truly important.

Regardless of our personal opinions and beliefs, we can all take this opportunity to relax and reflect on our lives.

This holiday season, we are encouraged to come together with those whom we may not always see eye-to-eye with, disregard our differences of opinion and take joy in the many things we have in common.

Christmas is celebrated in most countries throughout the world, even those with relatively small Christian populations.

While we are all united in celebrating the same thing, each culture has its own unique way of commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.

In Canada, as we decorate our trees, hang our stockings and enjoy egg nog and turkey with family and friends, we are reminded of all we have seen and done in the past year, both personally and as a nation.

We are called to think of our brave soldiers who are spending the holidays away from their homes and families so they may fight for the protection and freedom of others.

We are all extremely grateful for the sacrifices our Canadian troops and their families have made and pray for their safe and prompt return.

As Canadians, we are blessed to live in a land of relative peace and democracy, where we can generally enjoy access to the basic rights and freedoms we deserve as human beings. During the holiday season, it is important to enjoy what we have, but to also turn our thinking outward and consider those who are not as fortunate both at home and in other nations.

One nation that was hit particularly hard this past year was Haiti. Traditionally ranked amongst the poorest nations in the world, the country was devastated by an earthquake in January that killed over 230,000 people and did significant damage to the already-fragile economy.

Canada and the rest of the world banded together to assist those affected, donating nearly $200 million to the Canadian Red Cross for relief efforts in Haiti.

Even with the international support they have received, the people of Haiti still have much to do to find stability. Their holiday season is very different from the one we imagine for ourselves here in Canada.

Christmas presents a valuable opportunity to recognize all the blessings in our lives and consider ways to spread peace and joy to others in the coming year.

I extend to everyone my warmest wishes for a wonderful Christmas and a happy and healthy new year.

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