Pamela Cruz. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P].
After a difficult year in many respects, U.S. President-elect Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden gave their first Christmas speech as a presidential family, addressing all citizens of the country with hope as their central theme.
"Merry Christmas and happy holidays," was the first thing the president-elect said during the two-minute-and-four-second video message.
"Jill and I wish you and your family peace, joy, health and happiness this season. But we know that for many of you in our nation this has been a very difficult year. And this season of hope reminds us of our common humanity and what we are called to do for each other," said Democrat Joe Biden.
He added that many are struggling to find work, literally putting food on the table and paying rent or mortgage. "We are reminded that we are on this Earth to care for each other, to give what we can and to be a source of help and hope to friends and strangers alike.
The country's next first lady, Jill Biden, recalled that many families are facing their first Christmas after losing a loved one. "Joe and I know that pain. And we know how, in times of grief, one kind word can mean so much," she said.
He added that this is also a season of gratitude, so he thanked the frontline and essential workers who have put their lives on the line for everyone, and for the scientists and researchers who worked to deliver vaccines.
He also stressed that his thoughts are with the military service members who are far from home and on the loved ones who miss them. "Our family knows your sacrifice and our heart is with you.
Joe Biden recalled that normally they receive 20 to 25 people for dinner on Christmas Eve, but not this year, because due to the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of families have had to remain separated in order not to catch the virus.
"We're going to miss our family, but it's what we have to do to keep our family safe. We hope that this year you will consider limiting travel and the size of family gatherings," he said.
In this regard, Jill said that "even though our celebrations are dimming, we know that this will not be forever, and brighter days will soon come.
"On this holy day, we remember that love and joy can be shared across the greatest distances. We celebrate separately, but not alone, and look forward to next year when we can come together with a renewed appreciation for the people and traditions we love," he concluded.