men.

It is sometimes difficult to remember this amidst the consumerism frenzy of the holidays. But for all, the message of Jesus Christ, whose birthday we celebrate, is universal. Above all, the Golden Rule -- do unto others as you would have others do unto you -- is a philosophy we should all strive to live by.

For many of us, this is a time to count our blessings and to look back on the past year and remember the good things that have happened.

Bermuda is a prosperous and still largely peaceful place. We are blessed with a strong economy and stable government. Amidst the historic changes that have happened this year, we should remember above all that we have seen a change of government that has brought joy to many who previously felt they had little stake in the success and welfare of the Island.

It should also be recalled that the change of government came about after a hard-fought and largely clean campaign in which one party, after more than 30 years in power, gracefully handed over power to another without rancour or bitterness.

That is a sign of political maturity, as is the careful and serious approach which the Progressive Labour Party government has, in the main, demonstrated since taking power.

That is not to say that all in Bermuda are blessed. Many people in the last year have lost friends and family to the scourge of drugs, the dangers of our roads, to crime, and to illness and disease. This time of year is especially difficult for these families and we should all remember them at what will inevitably be a time of sadness.

We should spare a particular thought to those who have lost loved ones on the roads. Seventeen people have been killed as a result of road traffic accidents and this is an unacceptable number.

Then too, there are many at this time of year who are sick, homeless and in need. There are children who will go without presents tomorrow. There are parents who are unable, through no fault of their own, to put food on their families' tables or a roof over their families' heads. Perhaps most importantly, there are many who are deprived of the love of their families at a time when fellowship and good cheer is all around them.

Yet there is hope. We are reminded at Christmas of the generosity and caring that residents of Bermuda have for their neighbours. Thousands of people give their time and money to help others, not just at Christmas, but throughout the year.

And that, surely, is Bermuda's greatest blessing. Many of Bermuda's people are caring and compassionate and generous and giving. We all should look into our hearts to see if we can emulate these "unsung heroes'' and for those of us who feel we already do enough, ask if it is possible to do a little more.