The Christmas Spirit (Sunday, December 28, 2025)

(Excerpts from Bishop’s Christmas Message)

The Christmas Spirit

Leading up to Christmas 2025, many people have stated that they do not feel the Christmas spirit. This is because of the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa which has left an atmosphere of gloom over our country.

It is and will continue to be a difficult time for those who suffered from the passing of the Hurricane. People are still traumatized and trying to make sense of what happened as they continue to grieve the loss of all that has given meaning to their life – a sense of stability, and of rootedness. Some of them are still without the basic amenities of running water, electricity, internet services, and a place they can call home. The surroundings where many families reside look like a wasteland, and roofs covered with blue tarpaulin dominate the landscape. As a result of the extensive damage, many people will be sheltered this Christmas season in makeshift accommodations.

Christmas is a time of reconnection. Families come together to enjoy food, fellowship, and merriment. There will be an emptiness in the lives of families who continue to mourn the loss of loved ones, especially those who died in or because of the aftereffects of the hurricane. We continue to offer our sympathies to those who suffered greatly, and pledge our continued support physically, materially, mentally, and spiritually.

In solidarity with those who have been hit hard by the Hurricane, individuals, companies, and organizations have scaled back on their end-of-year celebrations. Some have cancelled their usual activities, and they have channeled the funds they would have spent on festivities to assist in relief work in the west, and to bring cheer to those who have lost home and income.

Some people see the absence of the usual festivities as a block to the Christmas spirit. However, on the contrary, the Christmas spirit is very evident in various ways. The coming together of people from all levels of society is bringing comfort and relief to others. It is active through the great generosity, outpouring of love and concern for people who are suffering… as well as through the volunteerism and the tremendous relief efforts. Companies have been generous, both here and abroad, to assist those in need. All this has given hope to many of our people. This is, indeed, the true spirit of Christmas.

+The Rt. Rev. Leon Paul Golding,
Bishop of Jamaica and The Cayman Islands