LASTING PEACE IS THE PRESENT AT CHRISTMAS TIME
Lasting peace is the best present at Christmas time
By Councillor Allan Rainey, Chairman of Omagh District Council
THE season of Peace and Goodwill to all is once more upon us. It is a time when Christians of all denominations unite to celebrate the birth of Christ, the Prince of Peace.
This Christmas is a unique event. It is the last not only of the 20th Century but also of the second millennium.
This has been, at times, a very difficult year for our district. The memories of the Omagh bomb are still very much with us and the town and its people still bear the physical scars of that horrendous day.
One of my most abiding memories of the past year was the solemnity and great dignity with which the service of remembrance on the first anniversary of the atrocity was marked.
It was tremendously encouraging to see you turned out in your thousands to remember those who had lost their lives and to pray for the bereaved and injured.
Like myself, I am confident that you share my desire for a lasting peace so that our young people can grow up free from the shackles of bigotry and bitterness. For too long our country has been ravaged by the twin cancers of hatred and intolerance.
Christmas is traditionally a time of hope, of laying aside differences within families, among neighbours and communities. What greater
birthday present could we give to our Saviour than to put aside our differences forever and to create a new and lasting peace built on respect and tolerance.
At this time, we also remember the elderly and infirm. My thoughts go out especially to those who are housebound as a result of old age or infirmity and to those who so selflessly give of their time to care for them.
While Christmas is essentially a Christian celebration, I am mindful of the growing number of people of other faiths who live and work in our district. In recognising that Christmas may not have the same significance for you, you are, nevertheless, very much an integral part of our community and very much part of this Christmas Message.
On behalf of the vice-chairman of the council, Councillor Liam McQuaid, and all the members of Omagh District Council, I would like to take this opportunity to extend seasons greetings to you and to wish you all God's Blessing for this holy season.
By Councillor Allan Rainey, Chairman of Omagh District Council
THE season of Peace and Goodwill to all is once more upon us. It is a time when Christians of all denominations unite to celebrate the birth of Christ, the Prince of Peace.
This Christmas is a unique event. It is the last not only of the 20th Century but also of the second millennium.
This has been, at times, a very difficult year for our district. The memories of the Omagh bomb are still very much with us and the town and its people still bear the physical scars of that horrendous day.
One of my most abiding memories of the past year was the solemnity and great dignity with which the service of remembrance on the first anniversary of the atrocity was marked.
It was tremendously encouraging to see you turned out in your thousands to remember those who had lost their lives and to pray for the bereaved and injured.
Like myself, I am confident that you share my desire for a lasting peace so that our young people can grow up free from the shackles of bigotry and bitterness. For too long our country has been ravaged by the twin cancers of hatred and intolerance.
Christmas is traditionally a time of hope, of laying aside differences within families, among neighbours and communities. What greater
birthday present could we give to our Saviour than to put aside our differences forever and to create a new and lasting peace built on respect and tolerance.
At this time, we also remember the elderly and infirm. My thoughts go out especially to those who are housebound as a result of old age or infirmity and to those who so selflessly give of their time to care for them.
While Christmas is essentially a Christian celebration, I am mindful of the growing number of people of other faiths who live and work in our district. In recognising that Christmas may not have the same significance for you, you are, nevertheless, very much an integral part of our community and very much part of this Christmas Message.
On behalf of the vice-chairman of the council, Councillor Liam McQuaid, and all the members of Omagh District Council, I would like to take this opportunity to extend seasons greetings to you and to wish you all God's Blessing for this holy season.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1421
Published Date: 23-Dec-99
Related Images
There have been no images archived for this article.