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Time For The True Meaning Of Christmas

The Nationals Member for Gippsland Province, Peter Hall, has urged everyone to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas this year.

By Peter Hall - 15th December 2004 - Back to News

"It is a religious celebration and one that represents all of the good and positive things about our culture and our country," Mr Hall said.

"It is also a time to acknowledge that while our society is made up of many different cultures, the basic tenants that underpin our major celebration of the year are appropriate for all races and religions."

Mr Hall said the fact that Australia was predominately, but not only, a Christian country emphasised the need to be a tolerant multi-cultural society that embraces all nationalities.

"We have a history in Australia of embracing the many good things that other cultures bring to our day to day lives and Christmas is a time to rejoice in that."

Mr Hall added that he hoped the good will of Christmas would also extend beyond the festive season.

"Christmas is about reinforcing our core values, and an opportunity to reflect on how we can all incorporate those values into our every day lives.

"If we all lived every day in the spirit of Christmas, the world would be a much better place."

Mr Hall said it was also worth considering how fortunate Australians are. "There are places in the world that will still be in conflict on Christmas Day and some Australians will be involved in those places.

"It is our task to try and resolve those ongoing issues; I think Christmas is as good a time as any to start that process and we can start it at an individual level, in our own backyard."

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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