It is good in the wake of an election during which forces of division played upon this island that we should have Christmas.

For Christmas reminds us, just as an angel proclaimed to shepherds in a field so long ago, that we can have "peace on Earth and goodwill toward men.

Christmas gives each of us the opportunity to appreciate the power of love for our fellow men.

That it should happen for most amongst family and friends only deepens the profound importance of this holiday.

We need to carry within each of us that spirit of love and goodwill if we are to move this island towards something better.

During the campaign, our leader Michael Dunkley spoke of the need to move Bermuda to a higher, better place, "A Bermuda that is tolerant, that cares for its people, that celebrates our differences, that nurtures talent; a Bermuda where citizens respect one another regardless of their views, where each of us becomes our brother's keeper, where we do unto others as we would have them do to us… an Island of decency, where our people see each other as Bermudians first."

Michael thought it would take more than a change of government to get us there, and so he challenged "each of us" to take responsibility for making it happen.

"If you want an island of tolerance and respect, of rules and positive values, of decency and unity, then you, all of you have to be that change.

"You have to stand up for it and live by it. You have to reach out to your fellow Bermudians, every day. Let us not wait for hurricanes to show the best of ourselves. We must do it everyday.

"It is time to end the separations," he said. "It is time to build a new society; a just society, where we act in a manner that is morally right and fair, and where we see ourselves as we are, as Bermudians in this life together."

These are wise words. And we would be wise to heed them.

Christmas is our opportunity to start along that higher road.

Take in the love of your family and friends. Carry it forward as goodwill to others known and not known, for truly it is up to each of us to be the change we want to be, to express the goodness that lies in our hearts, to be that better Bermuda.

On behalf of my colleagues in the United Bermuda Party, God bless all of you.