‘Celebrate Christmas joyfully with loved ones’

Commonwealth leaders urged the island community yesterday to celebrate Christmas with loved ones and enjoy the holiday season.

Gov. Eloy S. Inos and Lt. Gov. Jude U. Hofschneider said their message for this Christmas season is summed up in three words—peace, love, and hope.

“Throughout our islands, everyone is celebrating one of the most anticipated moments of the year: the Christmas holidays. Everywhere you go, the reminders of the Christmas season are abundant: trees and buildings adorned with ornaments and lights, children singing time-honored carols, and people reveling in family traditions. As we prepare to celebrate this holiday season, let us be thankful for all the blessings we received throughout the year,” Inos’ Christmas message read.

Inos and Hofschneider also reminded everyone to look back at the year that has passed as well as remember loved ones that have passed as well.

“Let us also remember the memories that we have shared with loved ones who left us this year, along with those who go out of their way to ensure that we celebrate in peace and security. Let us not forget to share these very same blessings afforded us with those who are less fortunate this time of year. Give them the greatest gift of all: the warmth of the true spirit of giving and love.”

Inos said everyone should celebrate the holidays with loved ones.

“Jude and I wish you all the peace and joy of this holiday season and urge all of you to celebrate joyfully with loved ones. May the good Lord continue to bless you with health and happiness as we prepare to welcome a new year with a renewed resolve to make the next 365 days more rewarding than the last. May your holidays be filled with peace, love, and hope.”

Senate President Ralph DLG. Torres (R-Saipan) echoed the message of Inos and Hofschneider.

“Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. There’s lot of things to grateful about and that’s our Lord and our safety. It’s a time of the year to be spent with family. Enjoy and be safe,” he said following the Senate session yesterday on Capital Hill.

Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) wished everyone a blessed Christmas and said all should look forward to the coming New Year.

“Christmas is a blessed day for those of us who are Christians. This is the day that God came to live among us and begin our salvation. So we are profoundly grateful at this time of year. But for all of us, no matter our faith, this season at the end of another year is a time to look back and reflect on all that we have and have accomplished, and to be grateful. And, of course, this is the time to look forward to the New Year.”

He said his entire family wishes everyone in the Northern Marianas a joyous holiday season.

“So to one and all in the Northern Mariana Islands I say Felis Pasgua yan Ano Nuebo from myself, my family, and all the staff at the congressional office.”