This year was full of challenges, a kind of test to show our maturity, especially the democratic one to look for solutions and make strides. As demanding as it may seem, we have shown that our homeland Bosnia and Herzegovina can and should move forward, stated tonight the chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Borjana Krišto, who hosted a traditional festive Christmas reception in the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina tonight.
In an address to a large number of dignitaries from political, religious and cultural life, Kristo expressed her welcome to the festive evening of Advent and the anticipation of the most joyous Christian holiday, Christmas.
“The four weeks of Advent remind us again and again of the fundamental spiritual values that make every human being human. If the meaning of Christmas could be summed up in one word – it would be love. Without love – man has no joy. Without joy – man does not feel the blessing that is ours we need to be humble in life and step forward in front of every challenge. After every temptation that happens to us, let’s remember again and again how valuable these gifts of God are, especially at the time of Christmas when we celebrate the birth of Christ, and we refine our spirit and our faith for the better,” said Kristo.
She recalled the words of Pope John Paul II that “in the mystery of Christmas, hope is rekindled in the human heart”, sending a message to those who are in hope and in need.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina was recently hit by natural disasters when we witnessed how little it takes to lose your homes in an instant, and the saddest thing is to lose your loved ones. We must all be united so that the hope they feel is fulfilled, and those they are left without our loved ones, let’s help them overcome those difficult moments. I want our thoughts from tonight’s gathering to be with all those who are exposed to the horrors of conflicts and war events we cannot make decisions on a global level nor have a decisive influence on them, but each of us can give a small part to show through our own example that the essence of everyday life is based on simple principles”, said the chairperson of the BiH Council of Ministers.
Kristo mentioned that dedicated work and setting goals can give a good result recognizable in a much wider framework.
“In March of this year, we made the biggest historical step forward in building a European Bosnia and Herzegovina when we received a positive decision to open negotiations with the European Union. The will and energy we showed then is a signpost in which direction we should go, but confirmation and proof that really we can do great things. The present we create will affect the future of our country. That responsibility excludes any of us from creating an alibi for our actions. A common goal must be enough motive for all to rise above particular interests or the desire to present ourselves as a greater patriot in this country. let’s bring the homeland to where it should be,” said, among other things, chairwoman Kristo.
