Queen Elizabeth II's 2018 Christmas Message:
For many, the service of Nine
Lessons and Carols from King's College, Cambridge, is when Christmas
begins. Listened to by millions of people around the world, it starts
with a chorister singing the first verse of Once in Royal David's City.
The
priest who introduced this service to King's College chapel, exactly
one hundred years ago, was Eric Milner-White. He had served as a
military chaplain in the First World War. Just six weeks after the
Armistice, he wanted a new kind of service which, with its message of
peace and goodwill, spoke to the needs of the times.
Twenty
eighteen has been a year of centenaries. The Royal Air Force celebrated
its 100th anniversary with a memorable fly-past demonstrating a
thrilling unity of purpose and execution. We owe them and all our Armed
Services our deepest gratitude.
My father served in the Royal Navy
during the First World War. He was a midshipman in HMS Collingwood at
the Battle of Jutland in 1916. The British fleet lost 14 ships and 6,000
men in that engagement. My father wrote in a letter: 'How and why we
were not hit beats me'. Like others, he lost friends in the war.
At
Christmas, we become keenly aware of loved ones who have died, whatever
the circumstances. But, of course, we would not grieve if we did not
love.
Closer to home, it's been a busy year for my
family, with two weddings and two babies, and another child expected
soon. It helps to keep a grandmother well occupied. We have had other
celebrations too, including the 70th birthday of The Prince of Wales.
Some
cultures believe a long life brings wisdom. I'd like to think so.
Perhaps part of that wisdom is to recognize some of life's baffling
paradoxes, such as the way human beings have a huge propensity for good,
and yet a capacity for evil. Even the power of faith, which frequently
inspires great generosity and self-sacrifice, can fall victim to
tribalism.
But through the many changes I have seen
over the years, faith, family and friendship have been not only a
constant for me but a source of personal comfort and reassurance.
In
April, the Commonwealth Heads of Government met in London. My father
welcomed just eight countries to the first such meeting in 1948. Now the
Commonwealth includes 53 countries with 2.4 billion people, a third of
the world's population.
Its strength lies in the bonds of affection it promotes, and a common desire to live in a better, more peaceful world.
Even
with the most deeply held differences, treating the other person with
respect and as a fellow human being is always a good first step towards
greater understanding.
Indeed, the Commonwealth
Games, held this year on Australia's Gold Coast, are known universally
as the Friendly Games because of their emphasis on goodwill and mutual
respect
The Christmas story retains its appeal since it doesn't provide theoretical explanations for the puzzles of life.
Instead
it's about the birth of a child and the hope that birth 2,000 years ago
brought to the world. Only a few people acknowledged Jesus when he was
born. Now billions follow him.
I believe his message
of peace on earth and goodwill to all is never out of date. It can be
heeded by everyone; it's needed as much as ever.
A very happy Christmas to you all.
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