Samoa’s Head of State, His Highness Tuimaleali'ifano Va'aletoa Sualauvi II, delivered a poignant Christmas message emphasising the essence of love, gratitude, and unity during the festive season. 

His address, rooted in scripture and reflections on the year, called on the nation to celebrate with joy while remembering those in need.

Quoting John 1:14, His Highness reminded the people of Samoa of the divine significance of Christmas: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” He elaborated, “Today, let us remember with solemn gratitude the true essence of Christmas, and celebrate with joy the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

In his message, the Head of State highlighted the redemptive purpose of Christ’s birth, describing it as a source of hope and salvation for humanity. “As the divine Word made flesh and sent by our Heavenly Father to redeem the fallen world and bring salvation to mankind, Christ is indeed the radiant light that dispels darkness and hopelessness and illuminates our path to the endless blessings of His grace, and His gift of eternal life,” he said.

The universal message of love central to Christmas was also underscored. His Highness spoke of the season as a time to unite hearts in “godly love, giving and sharing with others; remembering, acknowledging, and thanking others; and forgiving and reconciling with others.” He called it the “amazing miracle of the celebration of the birth of Our Lord Jesus.”

Reflecting on the year, His Highness praised the blessings and protection bestowed by God, crediting divine grace for the nation’s resilience and progress. “He has been the ultimate source of our blessings and protection from many adversities; and He continues to be the unwavering pillar of our strength within our families, villages, churches, and government,” he stated.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by some, he urged the nation to remember them in prayer. “It is inevitable that trials and tribulations are depriving some of our people of the special joy of Christmas this year. Let us remember them in our prayers and may the love and peace of our Lord Jesus comfort and strengthen them.”

The Head of State expressed deep gratitude to various sectors of society, including the clergy, government, judiciary, business community, and development partners. He specifically recognized the clergy for their spiritual guidance, saying, “Through your prayers and supplications, you continue to uphold and sustain our faith, firmly rooted in the infinite grace of God.”

He also commended the government for its leadership, particularly highlighting milestones such as the State Visit of His Majesty King Charles III and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in October. “One of the highlights of this year was the successful hosting of the State Visit of His Majesty King Charles III... It speaks volumes to our resilience and commitment to contribute to both regional and global fora on important matters facing the world, and especially small island countries like Samoa,” he said.

Turning his attention to Samoa’s youth, His Highness congratulated students on their academic achievements and emphasized the importance of education. “Your education is important because you are the future of our families and our country. 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,” he noted.