Spirit of hope is deep message of Christmas

Christmas controversies erupt almost every December, generally spurred by complaints from people who find religious symbols offensive and would like to purge them from public spaces. It's been relatively quiet on the Christmas grievance front this year.

However, several weeks ago a Service Canada executive in Quebec issued a directive banning the public display of Christmas decorations at any of the federal agency's 118 Quebec offices. It was quickly overturned. Prime Minister Stephen Harper's "Happy Holidays" card was criticized for aesthetic reasons. Not much traction there either.

Nonetheless, Saskatchewan premier Brad Wall's Christmas message is an overtly Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus as the Son of God. "Years ago God became man in the form of a tiny baby. An unadorned baby, born into inauspicious surroundings, who was to be called Jesus. Human in the humblest form," he says.

"Everyone is deserving of a chance. Deserving of hope. Even deserving of a miracle. He taught us to be kind to each other and give help and healing where needed. To let our light shine."

Wall encourages citizens to extend a generous spirit to others, especially the needy, both at home and abroad. "This Christmas and all the year, we can be His source of light and hope. We should all aspire to be that light," he says.

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