[ad_1]
Here is the full text of the King’s first Christmas broadcast:
“I stand here in this magnificent chapel of St George’s at Windsor Castle, very close to where my dear mother, the late Queen, has been laid to rest with my dear father.
“I am reminded of the deeply touching letters, cards and messages that so many of you have sent my wife and myself, and I cannot thank you enough for the love and sympathy you have shown our entire family.
“Christmas is a particularly poignant time for all of us who have lost loved ones.
“We feel his absence at every familiar turn of the season and remember him in every cherished tradition.
“In the much-loved carol O Little Town of Bethlehem we sing of how ‘in thy dark streets an eternal light shines.’
“My mother’s faith in the power of that light was an essential part of her faith in God, but so was her faith in people and it is one that I share with all my heart.
“It is a belief in the extraordinary ability of each person, with goodness and compassion, to touch the lives of others and shine a light on the world around them.
“This is the essence of our community and the foundation of our society.
“We see it in the selfless dedication of our armed forces and emergency services who work tirelessly to keep us all safe, and who performed so magnificently to mourn the passing of our late Queen.
“We see it in our health and social care professionals, our teachers and indeed those working in the public service, whose skills and commitment are at the heart of our communities.
“And in these times of great concern and difficulty, whether it’s for people around the world who are facing conflict, famine or natural disaster, or who are looking for ways to pay their bills at home and keep their families fed and warm, we can see that. The humanity of people in our nations and commonwealths who respond so readily to the plight of others.
“I would especially like to pay tribute to all the wonderful kind people who so generously give food or donations, or that most precious commodity, their time, to support those around them who are most in need, and together with the many charitable organizations that Does kind of work.Extraordinary work under the most difficult circumstances.
“Our churches, synagogues, mosques, temples and gurudwaras have once again united to feed the hungry, offer love and support throughout the year.
“Such heartfelt unity is the most inspiring expression of loving our neighbor as ourselves.
“The Prince and Princess of Wales recently visited Wales, highlighting practical examples of this community spirit.
“Several years ago, I was able to fulfill a lifelong desire to visit Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity.
“There, I went down to the chapel of the manger and stood in silent reverence by the silver star which is embedded in the floor and marks the place of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“It meant more to me than I can possibly express to stand on that spot where the Bible tells us, ‘the light that has come into the world’ was born.
“While Christmas is, of course, a Christian celebration, the power of light to dispel darkness is celebrated across the boundaries of faith and belief.
“Therefore, whatever faith you have, or none, it is in this life-giving light, and with true humility that lives in the service of others, I believe we can find hope for the future.
“So let us celebrate him together, and praise him always.
“With all my heart, I wish each of you a Christmas of peace, happiness and eternal light.”
[ad_2]
Source link
