Heather Robinson, Contributor

"Calm my nerves

Calm my mind

Calm my body

Calm my soul

Calm my being

Calm my spirit"

Recently I had to be repeating these words to seek guidance through a difficult period. Repeating them softly and slowly assisted me in facing the particular challenge that confronted me and provided me with the necessary comfort to continue with normal living.

On the eve of celebrating the birth of Christ, I have been thinking about those in our country who have decided to serve as volunteers for one cause or another. Some have chosen human rights, while there are others who have chosen to seek to advance the rights of children or to protect our environment.

All of these causes are noble causes that deserve our support and commendation. Imagine a society in which there was no one to seek to protect the rights of citizens in cases related to the state, or one in which no one spoke up for our children or for the preservation of the Jamaican iguana or crocodile.

In commending all of these persons, one is obliged to ask several questions. How does one decide what is a worthy or noble cause to lend one's voluntary support? Why choose human rights instead of children's rights, and how do you get persons to join and support your group?

Jesus Christ was one of the first persons to seek to promote the rights of the earth's inhabitants. Selflessly and without any desire for commendation or reward he carried out the tasks of his Father, all with the motivation of producing a better human being. His sacrifices and his many miracles are legendary, as is the story of his birth and death, when he made the ultimate sacrifice.

Time for giving

It is said that Christmas is the time for giving. But why do we have to wait on this time of year to provide evidence of our annual benevolence? Why can't we give without counting the costs, throughout the year? Why can't we have causes that are advanced on a daily basis that bring us into contact with those who are most deserving of our care?

Those who choose to rally behind one good cause or another, would they do so without local and international funding that enables them to become full-time employees? Would they be so articulate if their sources of funding suddenly vanished ant they were obliged to choose between being a paid employee or a volunteer?

How do they wish to be remembered? On Wednesday, Jamaica's longest-serving broadcaster, Neville Willoughby, died after a motor vehicle accident. It was interesting to hear how much grief Jamaicans openly expressed on RJR's Hotline of 'Uncle Neville'. Big men and women burst into tears and had to cut short their expressions of sympathy. His was a life that had touched so many. He never sought praise or recognition, but managed to endear himself to all of us.

At this time when we remember and celebrate the birth of baby Jesus, may we pause and remember all who are in pain because of someone else's carelessness or deliberate act of violence. May we also seek to serve those whose causes we champion without expecting or demanding reward.

And finally, may the spirit of family that was demonstrated by RJR's listeners on Wednesday take over our country in 2007, as we seek to build a better Jamaica. May all families come together and remember that humility is a virtue that ought to be emulated, and that it is never always only about money.

Calm our bodies and calm our souls, dear God.

Have a blessed Christmas.

Heather Robinson is a life underwriter and former Member of Parliament.