Governor Thorold Masefield My wife and I are enjoying our third Christmas in Bermuda. This year, as in previous years, my mother too, has joined us for the festive season. We are back now in Government House, after a very pleasant eight months in The Cottage near Dockyard. The house is looking very fine now, and it is nice to be able to show schools and other visiting groups the main rooms. In these Christmas messages I have tried to look back at the main events of each year.

Inevitably some of them are sad. This year we mourn the passing of the elder statesman Sir John Sharpe, who contributed so much to Bermuda's politics. We grieve too, at the premature death of Madeline Joell. And we sorrow that that great sportsman Alma (Champ) Hunt is no longer with us.

But there are also events to celebrate. This year the Honourable Lois Browne-Evans became Bermuda's second Dame. More recently we enjoyed the romance and glamour of the wedding of a serving Minister in the Government, the Honourable Paula Cox. We also marked the 40th anniversary of the theatre boycott. In the sporting world Bermuda has continued to do well. Bermuda's sailors compete and win at the highest levels. Mary Jane Tumbridge and her horse won a gold medal at the Pan Am Games. Bermuda's bowlers have continued to enjoy success. And there are soccer players from Bermuda in the highest leagues in both England and the United States.

In Bermuda we celebrate the International Year of Older Persons with a well focused series of events and meetings organised by the ever active 92-year-old Sir John Plowman. One feature that was especially successful in bringing together the young and old was the Community Readers Programme. I was glad too, to be present at the opening of the Wind-Reach Facility, which owes so much to Sandy Mitchell.

HRH Princess Anne also visited Windreach, primarily to join in the celebrations for the 25th anniversary of Riding for the Disabled. And she did indeed see the riders despite a downpour. Princess Anne stayed here some three days and was able to see much of the Island and the activities of the charities and groups with which she is associated. She was in Commissioner's House in Dockyard, and she also visited St. George's for a full half-day.

There she learnt more about St. George's bid for World Heritage status. This has now reached the point where an invigilator will be coming next month to gauge the strength of the case for the status. There are other things to look forward to next year as well. The Tall Ships in June will perhaps be the most colourful. But next month the world's best bridge players come back to Bermuda for the 50th anniversary of the Bermuda Bowl. The millennium programme of the Bermuda Festival promises to be especially rich.

As we look forward to the new millennium, it is astonishing to look back and to see what has happened in the past millennium. Printing was perhaps the most striking development. The pace has gathered during this century with the foundations being laid for modern agriculture, science, medicine and the technology for our manufacturing economies. In Bermuda we have gone from the export of onions and lilies to a modern economy based on international financial services and e-commerce. and in the field of communications we have gone from the horse and buggy era to the Internet.

It is not only in these areas that there has been progress. The world has also become more compassionate. Emancipation in the last century has been followed in this century by votes for all, by universal education, and by access to modern medicine. Bermuda has been blessed with good fortune, but it also owes much to the good sense and hard work of those who live here.

And so at this time of year, with the Christian message, and especially the Christmas message in our hearts, we look back with thanks and we look forward with hope. On that note my wife and I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and successful New Year.

Jennifer M. Smith Premier of Bermuda "For it is in giving that we receive.. .'' -- Saint Francis of Assisi.

It is hard to believe that it has been a year since I gave my first Christmas message as your Premier. The year 1999 is about to disappear into the mist of history, and what a year it has been! 1999 has been a year of new beginnings, a year of progress and a year in which the foundations of A New Bermuda have been firmly laid. The progress which has been made during the past year has been the result of hard work on the part of so many people, in all sectors of the community. I take this opportunity on behalf of the Government to thank all the people of Bermuda for the significant and meaningful contributions which they have made during this past year.

I especially wish to thank those who throughout the year work in various essential jobs, including our tourism industry; those who maintain the Island's transportation system; those who keep our roads, parks and nature reserves in pristine condition; those who take the time to befriend senior citizens and those whose smiles and random acts of kindness make Bermuda such a special place in which to live.

Christmas is a time for giving, sharing and receiving, but the best that any of us can give is the gift of ourselves. It is a gift that is always in fashion. It is tailor-made for the recipient and it is within everyone's budget.

The focus on giving at this time resonates from our Christian heritage, but there are other traditions, including Hanukkah, Ramadan and Kwanzaa, whose focus is the golden rule, for they all profess that we should treat others as we would wish to be treated.

Although we each celebrate this Holiday Season in our own special way, we should take a few moments to wish each other the best in the spirit of joy and goodwill that abounds at this time of year.

On behalf of my colleagues in Government, my mother and my family, I extend to each one of you a wish that the love, peace and goodwill of the day will live on in your hearts throughout the coming year.

Pamela F. Gordon Opposition Leader With a heart full of hope, and a spirit alive with the joy of the season, I offer this holiday greeting of goodwill to all the men, women, and children privileged to enjoy life in Bermuda. We are blessed, so very blessed. And we owe it to ourselves, and to those less fortunate, to reaffirm our deep appreciation for the many blessings which have been bestowed upon us.

As we celebrate the season of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Ramadan, let us celebrate together. Let us celebrate the great diversity of our united community. Our differences from one another are the gifts we bring to one another. Our diversity is a beautiful aspect of what makes us so very special..like the multi-head lights twinkling compatibly on a well decorated Christmas tree.

And let us celebrate the even greater bond of all that we share in common...our hopes, our fears, our talents, our limitations, our heritage, and our future.

In the last third of this century, Bermuda's heritage has been one of great changes, great opportunity, and great prosperity. We now enjoy the benefits of modern schools, sophisticated health care, and a diversified economy with low unemployment and high wages. These are benefits that touch the lives of almost every Bermudian, almost every day. This is our heritage, and we have much to celebrate.

Of course, this is also the last Christmas of this century. No one knows what future Christmases may bring. One thing is for sure, whatever the future holds, we must individually and collectively take responsibility for the well being of Bermuda and all of our people. We must be willing to ensure opportunity for all is more than mere words but a commitment to each individual who wants to make his or her life better in our Island home.

I pray that in the years to come, we will not have to look back and yearn for better times past. I pray that we will have equal cause to celebrate each new holiday season. I pray that Bermuda will act wisely and effectively to advance, and to seize those new and rare opportunities that will enable our country and our people to continue to prosper. Let us all pray that there will be no fatalities or serious injuries over this holiday period and that our public service officials will have light duties this season. In the meantime, I am very grateful to all of our brothers and sisters who do so much to give our Island that Christmas Spirit all year long. We are blessed to have so many persons devoted to the community at large. To all of our public service personnel, community service organisations, volunteer organisations and those spirited with the commitment of love and kindness for their fellowman, may they all feel the warmth of our gratitude during this season.

I am especially thankful to be sharing the joyful spirit of the holidays with my family and close friends. The blessings of my mother's good health and my children's support are the best Christmas gifts I could wish to receive. My family and I join the Parliamentarians, members and officers of the United Bermuda Party in wishing that this holiday season, and the advent of the new millennium, will bring joy and continued blessings to you and your loved ones.

May God bless us all.

Charles H. Jeffers Chairman, National Liberal Party Once again it is my honour and privilege to bring Christmas greetings on behalf of the National Liberal Party.

Almost everywhere cheery Christmas greetings are being exchanged in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping. There is excitement in the air as people rush from place to place trying, almost desperately, to get to the end of their shopping list. Unfortunately, there are those who do not experience the excitement of Christmas. In fact, Christmas time is a very sad and despondent time for many as they are without the financial means to purchase presents for their loved ones. Sadly, this festive season will find some of our fellow Bermudians living in substandard or unsatisfactory housing.

Others are homeless.

It is comforting to note that, even during the Christmas season, many individuals and organisations sacrifice the time and go the extra mile to ensure that those in need will not be left out. These acts of generosity are a testimony to the unselfishness of Bermudians and residents alike. As busy as we may be during this time of the year, we should take time to reflect on our accomplishments of 1999. How did we do as a country, as a community, as families, and as individuals? Did we give our best effort to enure that positive results emanated from our activities? Is Bermuda a better place because our Government and Opposition put the people first? Did they work together to ensure that equality, fairness and justice prevailed for all those who are blessed to live here? Did community organisations function in such a way that the beneficiaries of their activities are in a better position than they were previously? How many families have made a concerted effort to work together and provide support for all their members? The evaluation of ourselves is sometimes the toughest to judge objectively. But how did we do as individuals? How much have we done to improve our physical, mental, and spiritual components? As we approach the end of another year, another decade, another century and yes, the end of this millennium, it is appropriate that, as we reflect, we should also project.

Our hope is that the year 2000 will find each of us with desire and determination to continue to do those things that are good and charitable. Let us make a pledge to seek improvement in whichever areas we need to be improved. Let us strive to become an even more caring society.

It would be wonderful if we all take to heart the words of the song that says in part: "If I help somebody as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain.'' On a personal note, this is the last time, for the foreseeable future, that I will be presenting the Christmas message on behalf of the National Liberal Party. On behalf of the Executive Committee and the general membership of the NLP, I wish for you the very best, not just during the Christmas season but also for the coming year.

We pray that God's richest blessings will be extended to and received by each and everyone.

The Rev. T.A. W. Garrity Christ Church Warwick I wonder if you've heard the story of someone who lived in the elegant community of Hillsborough, California. He set out with his wife and children to sing carols for his neighbours. As they were practising their parts outside the first house the woman of the house came to her door -- looking anxious and upset.

"Look, I'm just too busy. The plumbing is on the blink. I can't get anybody to fix it, and there's a mob coming for dinner. If you really feel like carol-singing come back tomorrow.'' "Yes ma'am'' replied BING CROSBY and he took his family to sing elsewhere.

I enjoy Christmastime. I enjoy the opportunity to spend time with good people -- with relatives -- and with friends.

I enjoy giving and receiving gifts.

I enjoy the laughter and good humour and good wishes of this time.

Leader's season's greetings These are all important parts of any Christmastime -- and they matter to us all. But they are not the heart of the matter. The Christian Christmas could be celebrated without any of them.

The heart of the matter is the world-changing fact that in a unique way -- and in a particular moment of time -- God became personally involved with humankind in the person of His Son Jesus Christ. What that means for each of us today, as we face the challenges of the new millennium, is that whatever we experience in our lives -- God is there giving courage and peace of mind in the difficult decisions and dilemmas, giving joy and hope when things are going well, and giving his love to us so that we might genuinely care for others. God bless you this Christmas.

The Rev. Malcolm L. Eve Presiding Elder, African Methodist Episcopal Church The Christmas story is very old, it has been told time and time again, yet it still refreshes and rejuvenates us as we celebrate the incarnation of the Christ child brought forth by Mary who wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, laid Him in a manager and called His name Jesus! Isn't it amazing that 2000 years, later, we are still worshipping and adoring that Wonderful Name especially during this season when the festive spirit seems to invade the hearts of young and old alike. The Christmas music fills the air and stirs our inner beings to the extent that we find JOY in the privilege of giving.

Many will find enjoyment in sharing happy moments with those who are near and dear to them. It is in that spirit of love and peace that the African Methodist Episcopal Church extends to all of Bermuda our sincere wishes for a blessed Christmas.

In a few days, a new year will dawn upon us. A lot has been said, predictions have been made causing concern and anxiety over the uncertainty of the coming millennium and its impact on the world.! We believe that it is the mandate of Christendom to allow the Christmas Christ to so impact our lives that we remain FOCUSED on Him, His finished work on the cross, the Glory of His resurrection and as we look forward with GREAT anticipation for His coming again! The Most Rev. Robert J. Kurtz Bishop of Hamilton in Bermuda A Merry Christmas to all! I am pleased and honoured to be able to extend Christmas greetings and best wishes for the New Year as well as the new Millennium to all of you in the name of the members of the Roman Catholic Church of Bermuda.

At the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, Pope John Paul II will open the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and solemnly declare the Year 2000 to be a Holy Year of Jubilee.

A similar blessing of the doors of St. Theresa's Cathedral here in Hamilton will take place at the 11.30 Mass on Christmas Day.

The Jubilee Year announced by Pope John Paul II first appears in the Hebrew Scriptures, it is related to the Sabbath as a time of God's grace and favour, a time of reconciliation and forgiveness, a time of spiritual joy and blessing.

Messages for Christmas As we stand at the threshold of a new millennium with our hopes and fears for the future, we hear once again the words of the Angel to the shepherds in Bethlehem: Do not be afraid! For see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.

To you is born this day in the City of David A Saviour who is the Messiah, the Lord.

Dear Friends, the word of the Lord and these sacred moments of the Christmas feast and the new millennium call us to cast aside our fears and to open the doors of our hearts and our homes to Christ the Lord, the Saviour who is born for us and for our salvation.

May the joy of God's grace and favour be with you during this Christmas season and into the Jubilee Year 2000.

The Right Rev. Ewen Ratteray Bishop of Bermuda Two years ago in late November my wife Jennifer, and I were in Nova Scotia as I had been invited to preach at the Advent/Christmas Services at King's College in Halifax, prior to the students going home for Christmas.

During some free time we went downtown to do shopping. The bus we travelled on was crowded with people with similar intent. Near to us were two young people talking excitedly. One of whom started to say she was going Christmas shopping, but amended her comment with an apology, to "shopping for the holidays!'' I thought then and still think today, how sad!! Sad that someone would feel it necessary to apologise for using the word Christmas! It has become all too common, even here in Bermuda, for people to talk not of Christmas, but rather of "the holidays'' or the "holiday season''. Whether it is deemed to be a politically correct form of words I know not, but it is a usage that I, as a Christian, will not utilise. To do so demeans the real significance of this very important Christian Festival.

For Christmas means a great deal to me. It is the annual celebration of the greatest event of all history, the birth of Jesus, the Son of God, born of the Blessed Virgin Mary. A Jewish baby born of a Jewish mother, yet God incarnate.

God became flesh and dwelt among us as the Scriptures tell us. It is his taking of human flesh and sharing the human condition that shows God's love for, and commitment to, mankind, his creation. Such love demands a response from us. Our response should be an unwavering love for God in worship and praise. In addition we must also love and care about our fellowmen, especially those without a voice, power, influence or wealth. I shall gather with family and friends in joyful celebration at this time simply because Christ was born in Bethlehem, no more or less. It is his birth that is the ultimate reason for all that we do at this time of year.

May the commemoration of the birth of Jesus, the world's Saviour, be always for all of us more than just a holiday, but rather a real celebration of God's love for all men and our sharing of the same with those around us.

I wish you all a very Happy, Joyous and Peaceful Christmas.

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