On Parliament Hill

Every so often, Members of Parliament are given the opportunity to stand in the House of Commons and speak for one minute on any topic of their choosing.  Because these opportunities come around so infrequently, an MP must choose his or her topic very carefully.

Last week, with winter officially upon us, church bells ringing and carols playing on the radio, I thought it was the perfect time to talk about the true meaning of Christmas. Following is the text of my speech made in the House of Commons on December 7th.

Mr. Speaker, earlier this week my family celebrated the miracle of a new life with the birth of our grandson, Hudson George Falk.

As Christmas approaches, Canadians from across the country will soon be gathering together as families to celebrate all our many blessings. We truly have so much to be thankful for. However, Christmas is more than just a celebration of family. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, and his beautiful promises: promises of a new life, promises of inexplicable joy, promises of a peace that surpasses all understanding, and promises of everlasting life.

As a country, may we continue to focus on Christ’s unchanging message, a message from 2,000 years ago, which is the foundation that our great country, Canada, was built upon.

As carols fill the air and church bells echo all around, let us also take a moment to pray for all those around the world who are less fortunate, and for those whom the promise of peace seems so far away.

May the miracle and gift of Christ’s birth fill everyone’s hearts with love, joy, and peace this Christmas. To the House and to all Canadians, Merry Christmas.