PEACE and goodwill are the themes at Christmas as the year concludes with the celebration of the birth of Christ.

For me, that gentle image was rudely shattered recently when a young Rohingya boy explained to reporters how he’d seen his family massacred.

Unspeakable crimes are being committed on defenceless civilians in Myanmar as the world looks on.

But, the Rohingya are not alone.

Across the globe, 65 million refugees have been uprooted from their homes this year by geopolitical events beyond their comprehension or control.

Add to this the prediction by the United Nations that changes in the climate will see a further quarter of a billion people displaced by 2050.

It’s a sobering thought.

And, for me, it’s a stark reminder of how fortunate we are to live in a country like ours, where we take civil institutions and the rule of law for granted.

Here, religious minorities can pursue their Faith free of persecution, here we are free to demonstrate lawfully, criticize our politicians and speak our minds.

This is a far cry from many countries, including some inside the EU.

Our system may not be perfect, but it’s not that bad, either.

It’s not until you look beyond our shores that you gain a better perspective that’s all too often lost here at home.

Talking of which, I would like to thank all our public servants, not least those who serve in the emergency services and behind the prison walls.

Their selfless dedication is a lesson to us all and we are indebted to them, as we are to all the unsung heroes in the voluntary sector.

A very Happy Christmas and New Year to you all.