The time around 25 December each year has become a period of goodwill, peace, celebration, family and unity throughout the Christian world and far beyond. In many ways it has become a universal and deeply human time for us all to acknowledge each other through the sharing of gifts, greetings and generous events. For children it is a specially magical time.

Shops, the streets, churches, our meeting and work places and our homes are full of treats, decorations and expectations. But these outward trappings can only go beyond the trivial and the commercial when they translate into our own caring and sharing together in a collective commitment to create a better world.

The Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus amongst the poor and alienated in Bethlehem's stable two millennia ago is of course the great event that has resulted in not just the faith that bears His name, but also the great religious festival of Christmas.

Warmest wishes to all our Christian fellow citizens for a Christmas of great blessing and joy as you celebrate not only the birth, but also the earthly life and lessons of the Christchild.

May the season and its reason motivate us all to unite behind our vision of making the Western Cape a Home for All by remembering the poor, the lonely and the needy.

Let us make sure that this will really be a Merry Christmas for us all!Ebrahim Rasool
Premier of the Western Cape