FM's Christmas message
First Minister
Jack McConnell
Bute House, Edinburgh
Christmas 2003
Christmas is one of the most important times of
the year. For many Scots it is a time to reflect on whatever
their Christian faith means to them and for others it is simply
a good opportunity to relax with friends and family. One of the
great strengths of Scotland is the way that our small country
has welcomed people from many different cultures, while still
maintaining our best traditions.
For everyone though, it is a time to reflect on the past,
and to look to the future with confidence. A time of
celebration and of compassion too. Many of us will be thinking
of close friends and family whom we may have lost during the
year. And I hope that this year in particular we will all
remember those young men and women who serve their country at
home and abroad and respect their courage.
While I am fortunate enough to be spending this Christmas
with my family, I know that for others, that will not be
possible. Either because they are alone or they are working,
providing vital public or emergency services, or because their
family are far away. If, like me you are lucky enough to enjoy
a close family around you at this time, I hope you can spare a
thought for those who are not as fortunate as ourselves.
Because Christmas is also a time for communities to come
together, to give and to share and to be at peace, a time to
build the kind of respect for each other, that helps us to be
stronger. My hope for 2004 is that the goodwill and respect
that we all enjoy at Christmas will last all year round. Merry
Christmas.
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