IT'S Christmas Day and the man behind a Christian Care Home in Thurrock has offered a message to the local community through Thurrock Nub News.

Mico Bienvenu has been an occasional contributor to Thurrock Nub News through the year, particularly reflecting on the pressures facing the care sector.

But today he puts any political assignations aside and has asked us to pass on his message.

He writes: "'Perhaps it is time for us as a nation to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.

"As we are living time through unprecedented times, we seriously need to think about the purpose of our lives on earth. The Christian message about the birth of Jesus is to bring hope, love and forgiveness.

"Over the years, we all have escalated Christmas as a time of celebration, being with our family, friends with lots of food, drinks and be Merry partying, spending for what we do not have and being left with heavy debts and possibly hangovers after the event.

"Jesus commented that His family is not limited as being only His parents, brothers and sisters.

"He also went on to say that 'I came to serve and not to be served'. The greatest people we know have always been servants, not just leaders. Life is a journey on earth that sadly will end one day.

"We are all God's creation, whoever we are , created to do good works. Let us not waste our time on earth, so keep on serving each other to make a better world . Do not think of how you and others can change the whole world. Just think of how a better world we live in can be, by you making a real difference where you are, being positive and driven with passion, kindness, good words and deeds for each other.

"As carers, this Christmas, it is a great opportunity for us to continue serving others as we always do , the elderly, sick, disabled, lonely and destitute. Keep on CARING as this is the true message of Christmas, SERVING those in need while the nation is on lockdown.

"Remember, Jesus was only born in a stable and not in a castle. His humility, simplicity of His life, depth and wisdom of His message goes on not only on Christmas Day. Yet, He is known as the King of all Kings.

"My friends, Christmas has not been postponed, it has only been halted to give us as a nation and the whole world time to reflect on its true meaning. Don't you wish it could be Christmas everyday ?

"What a great privilege to be a servant."

Related story: Mico's front line message.