I found this year’s Christmas message of Queen Elizabeth II insightful. England is a polar society where secularism reigns and from which some of the most ardent contemporary atheists emerge, yet the Queen still plays a spiritual role for the English people as the head of the Church of England.
Below is a quote bearing the core message of the Queen’s address. It is simple, yet meaningful.
“Finding hope in adversity is one of the themes of Christmas. Jesus was born into a world full of fear. The angels came to frightened shepherds with hope in their voices. ‘Fear not,’ they urged, ‘we bring you tidings of great joy which will be to all people, for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord.’
“Although we are capable of great acts of kindness, history teaches us that we sometimes need saving from ourselves. From our recklessness or our greed. God sent into the world a unique person, neither a philosopher or a general, important though they are, but a Savior with the power to forgive.
“Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Christian faith. It can heal broken families, it can restore friendships and it can reconcile divided communities. It is in forgiveness that we feel the power of God’s love. It is my prayer that on this Christmas day we might all find room in our lives for the message of the angels and for the love of God through Christ our Lord. I wish you all a very happy Christmas.”
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