2018 Christmas Message from the Leader of the Official Opposition Ryan Meili
Friends, at this time of year we come together in a spirit of peace and love to celebrate Christmas, to celebrate the story of the birth of a child, the story of the Creator, all powerful, coming to Earth as a helpless newborn born to a humble family. The greatest of all become the least among us. It’s a story of good news, of hope: a message of love for all, and in particular, love for the least among us.
All across Saskatchewan, people of all faiths will be showing that love - with acts of charity, of kindness, of generosity, as we do throughout the year and especially in this holiday season.
Whether it’s serving a meal at the Friendship Inn. Visiting an elderly neighbour with fresh baking and time to listen. Donating to the United Way. Or delivering a hamper to a family in need. Saskatchewan people know how to share.
Saskatchewan has been blessed with great people and great natural wealth. Yet, amidst that plenty, we know there are too many who go without. There are too many in our province today who will struggle through the holidays. Struggle with depression or anxiety. Struggle with caring for aging loved ones or worries of the future of their children and grandchildren. There will be people who struggle with poverty and hunger, with loneliness and grief.
Our acts of charity matter. The gifts we give of our time, our hard-earned money, of ourselves, that generosity makes a difference.
And that spirit of generosity must go beyond acts of service to acts of public service. The work we do here in the legislature, the work of government can and should be a powerful force for good. There is so much we can do to make our communities better, to help those in need today and to grow our prosperity so that fewer find themselves struggling in the years to come.
So however you celebrate, let us be good and kind to each other, let’s enjoy this holiday season, let’s make the most of special times with family and friends, and let’s commit to extending the spirit of the season all through the year ahead.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.