by Janez Janša
“Christmas, the birthday of Jesus Christ, is celebrated during the winter solstice, when the days slowly begin to lengthen. In this magical time of the beginning of the victory of light over darkness, birth is a symbolic time of new beginnings. The birth of a new hope for the world”, Slovenian Prime Minister said in his Christmas address to the nation.
The message of the Prime Minister is published below.
“Dear citizens, Slovenians, dear compatriots abroad and around the world, dear friends,
Christmas, the birthday of Jesus Christ, is celebrated during the winter solstice, when the days slowly begin to lengthen. In this magical time of the beginning of the victory of light over darkness, birth is a symbolic time of new beginnings. The birth of a new hope for the world.
In the ordeals we went through in the year that is coming to an end, as individuals, but also as a nation, and mankind, our faith and trust have often been put to the test. This is well known to those who have lost someone close to them because of the coronavirus, and I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere condolences to them once again. Or those who fell ill and went through moments of despair in their illness, as it seemed they would never get better again. In moments like these, many have found solace in prayer, which we have often forgotten in the rush of life before corona-time.
»… Even when I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, I am not afraid of evil, for you are with me …«, we can read in the Psalms of David. Faith and confidence that we are not alone in ordeals should always be a consolation and encouragement to us. Let them be the stick we will lean on when it is difficult. Let them be our strength and courage to accept life as it is and to come out better from the ordeals it brings us. For even this ordeal will pass and can be an opportunity like any other. An opportunity to reflect on what is important and what is not. What is really worthwhile and what passes. An opportunity to turn to ourselves and decide to be better. As Pope Francis said: »You do not come out of any crisis the same way you entered it: you can be better or worse.«
Of the many people, this crisis, epidemic, ordeal, or whatever we call it, has brought out the best. I met them this year and they were like a light in the dark. An encouragement and support to all of us who have done the best we knew, knew and could in these difficult times. Because of them, this year will also be remembered for many good deeds and exceptional people who helped in uncertain circumstances. Because they knew people were in need and they responded to it.
The time has come when the end touches the beginning and draws a new path. May this be the path to the better in us. That we will be able to appreciate more what we have. That we will be grateful for the things we took for granted yesterday. That we will know how to tell people that we love them. That we will find time to talk to our loved ones. That we will be able to express gratitude. To forgive ourselves and others. To accept life as it is, to fight for the good and give thanks for every day. Even if it will be full of ordeals.
Dear friends, may Christmas days bring peace and joy to your hearts. And may this Christmas secret, incomprehensible and beautiful, awaken in you hope and confidence that all will be well. That everything that happens, even if it is severe and difficult, foretells the birth of something new, better. I believe that even in times of ordeal, without lights and a festive table, there will be understanding and support for each other among us. And with that the power to overcome every obstacle.
I know we will beat this virus and celebrate Christmas next year by hanging out with everyone we love. But this year, I ask you to abide the measures to protect against the coronavirus even during the holidays, in order to protect yourself and others. Stay healthy.
I wish you a healthy, happy, blessed and peaceful Christmas.”