But remember, the Bible declares, ‘the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom’. Such wisdom enables you to embark on a successful career path that God has predestined for you.

This was the conclusion of His Highness the Head of State Afioga Tuimaleali'ifano Va'aletoa Sualauvi II's congratulatory message to the country's students for their achievements, as another academic year comes to an end. "Your education is important because you are the future of our families and our country," His Highness said.

Earlier in his Christmas message, His Highness thanked the clergy "for their steadfast commitment to their priestly ministry, which continually nourishes and strengthens the spiritual life of our nation."

He thanked the Prime Minister and the cabinet for their leadership and stewardship at all levels of our nation's socio-economic development. “The milestones accomplished this year attest to the importance of collaboration and partnership,” he said.

His Highness thanked the Chief Justice and the Justices of the Courts for upholding the rule of law and integrity of the judiciary.

He acknowledged 'the public and private sectors, and the business community for their continued dedication to serve our country in various professions.'

He also acknowledged the country's development partners for their continuing support and assistance to Samoa.

“May we continue to embrace the spirit of partnership and cooperation in all undertakings,” he said.

And then His Highness concluded: "As we celebrate Christmas this year, let us find renewed joy in the Lord, the gladness of heart that comes from knowing God our Heavenly Father, and abiding in Christ our Lord and Saviour, and being filled by the Holy Spirit. Then we bear the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, in the true spirit of Christmas."

We wish His Highness, Masiofo and family a very happy and prosperous New Year.

To the speech writers for His Highness, we highly recommend that they find time to do some reading during the holiday season.

We highly recommend God In The New World by Lloyd Geering the former principal of Knox Theological College, Auckland, and Christianity Without God, by the same author, which is available online. Stephen Hawking's Brief Answers To The Big Questions, I think you should find most informative.

We make this suggestion because of the statement we have highlighted above. In the Geering books, you should find why the Bible declares and other statements such as the Bible teaches, the Bible says, the Church says, just won't cut it anymore. The wisdom of the past has been thoroughly tested by science and we must adjust our beliefs accordingly,

As Professor Geering put it: “In what ways, if any, do the new views of the world and man affect Christian theology? Some want to say that theology is little affected by these temporal matters, for it has to do with the timeless truths which have been revealed by God once and for all and which must therefore remain the same forever. It is noticeable that such people are usually reluctant to admit that there is a new view of the Bible, a new view of the world or a new view of man. In other words, they resolutely shut their eyes to the new world which is fast emerging around them                

On the other hand, some conclude, often reluctantly, that religion, theology and Christianity have come to the end of their course. Certainly when we compare the story of the sciences with the story of theology over the last six hundred years, the latter looks like something from the Looking Glass world of Alice. (God In The New World p69).

Lastly, we ask: Does God predestine career paths, successful or otherwise, for everyone? If so, what is the point of the declaration: “Then we bear the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, in the true spirit of Christmas."

Whatever! May we all enjoy a happy and prosperous 2025.