Justin Trudeau's Christmas message emphasizes 'love and kindness' as he faces calls to resign

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's annual Christmas message encourages Canadians to give thanks for "all that is good in the world" and check in on those who have not had an easy time this year.

"As we reflect on the past year and look to the future, let us continue to show love and kindness — to ourselves and to those in need," Trudeau said in a written statement, released Tuesday at a time when his own political future remains uncertain.

He also gave thanks to the "brave" members of the Canadian Armed Forces, first responders, essential workers and volunteers.

The annual message comes during a vulnerable time in his leadership and as the Liberal leader is believed to be reflecting on his political future.

In the week since Chrystia Freeland's sudden resignation from cabinet, as deputy prime minister and finance minister, calls for the prime minister to resign have echoed across the country. To date, 21 Liberal MPs have publicly called on Trudeau to go. 

At a virtual meeting of the Ontario Liberal caucus on Saturday morning, more than 50 Liberal MPs came to a consensus that Trudeau needs to step down as party leader, multiple sources told CBC News.

The prime minister has not addressed Canadians about the growing calls for him to step aside or spoken publicly about Freeland's resignation.

Trudeau stopped briefly to speak to reporters following a cabinet meeting on Friday.

Offering that it was an "excellent" meeting, "almost entirely focused on the Canada-U.S. dynamic," he did not answer any questions about the future of his leadership. "We have a lot of work to do and that's what we're focused on," he said. 

CBC's Poll Tracker suggests a widening lead for the Conservatives, comfortably ahead of the Liberals by more than 23 points.

Read the prime minister's full Christmas statement below.

"Merry Christmas, everyone! This is such a special time of year. A time to gather with loved ones, to celebrate the spirit of the season, and to give thanks for all that is good in the world.

"For Christians, it's a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and think about his story of kindness, forgiveness, and faith. The lessons of his life are universal, and they inspire and comfort people every time they're told — and retold.

"For you, the holidays may be a time of big family gatherings and feasts, of gifts and celebrations. But maybe it's a very hard time. If you're grieving, worried, or alone, this can be the toughest time of the year. It can be the loneliest. So let's all check in on the people in our lives who have not had an easy time this year, and who may need us more than we know.