President Adama Barrow, has Christmas ushers in a season of blessings, joy, family reunion, prayers and thanksgiving. It is a period when religious differences disappear in The Gambia, and the true spirit of sharing and loving becomes evident.
In his Christmas messages to the Gambia Christian community and the globe reads…
For us, Christmas has much value for both Christians and Muslims, as it brings both religions together in very peaceful and touching ways.
The unique source of such unity is that we all believe, and accept without question, that Jesus (Peace be upon him) was one of the greatest prophets of God; hence, we attach much significance to his birth. It is not surprising, therefore, that both Christians and Muslims celebrate Christmas together.
In this respect, The Gambia provides an enviable model of tolerance and peaceful coexistence for the whole world to emulate.
It is up to us to harness and sustain the culture of support, tolerance, patience, uprightness and willingness to serve and coexist with family, friends and neighbours without the least desire to hurt or harm them.
I wish you all a very blessed, peaceful and memorable Christmas, and I pray that we live long to celebrate many happy returns of the season, while growing stronger in faith individually and, collectively, as a nation.
Merry Christmas to you all!