From the BBC:
“King Charles's Christmas
message in full”
King Charles spoke of faith,
fellowship and compassion in his second Christmas message. He thanked the
"selfless army" of volunteers in who he said were the
"backbone" of British society, even on Christmas day. Here is the
broadcast in full:
"Many of the festivals of
the great religions of the world are celebrated with a special meal. "A
chance for family and friends to come together across generations; the act of
sharing food adding to conviviality and togetherness. "For some, faith
will be uppermost in their hearts. "For others, it will be the joy of
fellowship and the giving of presents. It is also a time when we remember those
who are no longer with us and think also of those whose work of caring for
others continues, even on this special day. "This care and compassion we
show to others is one of the themes of the Christmas story, especially when
Mary and Joseph were offered shelter in their hour of need by strangers, as
they waited for Jesus to be born. "Over this past year my heart has been
warmed by countless examples of the imaginative ways in which people are caring
for one another - going the extra mile to help those around them simply because
they know it is the right thing to do: at work and at home; within and across
communities.
"My wife and I were
delighted when hundreds of representatives of that selfless army of people -
volunteers who serve their communities in so many ways and with such
distinction - were able to join us in Westminster Abbey for the coronation
earlier this year. "They are an essential backbone of our society. Their
presence meant so much to us both and emphasised the meaning of coronation
itself: above all, a call to us all to serve one another; to love and care for
all. "Service also lies at the heart of the Christmas story - the birth of
Jesus who came to serve the whole world, showing us by his own example how to
love our neighbour as ourselves.
"Throughout the year, my
family have witnessed how people of all ages are making a difference to their
communities. "This is all the more important at a time of real hardship
for many, when we need to build on existing ways to support others less
fortunate than ourselves. "Because out of God's providence we are blessed
with much, and it is incumbent on us to use this wisely. "However, service
to others is but one way of honouring the whole of creation which, after all,
is a manifestation of the divine. This is a belief shared by all religions.
"To care for this creation is a responsibility owned by people of all
faiths and of none. We care for the Earth for the sake of our children's
children.
"During my lifetime I have
been so pleased to see a growing awareness of how we must protect the Earth and
our natural world as the one home which we all share. "I find great
inspiration now from the way so many people recognise this - as does the
Christmas story, which tells us that angels brought the message of hope first
to shepherds. These were people who lived simply amongst others of God's
creatures. Those close to nature were privileged that night. "And at a
time of increasingly tragic conflict around the World, I pray that we can also
do all in our power to protect each other. The words of Jesus seem more than
ever relevant: 'Do to others as you would have them do to you.' "Such
values are universal, drawing together our Abrahamic family of religions, and
other belief systems, across the Commonwealth and wider world. "They
remind us to imagine ourselves in the shoes of our neighbours, and to seek
their good as we would our own.
"So on this Christmas Day,
my heart and my thanks go to all who are serving one another; all who are
caring for our common home; and all who see and seek the good of others, not
least the friend we do not yet know. In this way, we bring out the best in
ourselves.
"I wish you a Christmas of
'peace on Earth and goodwill to all', today and always."
^ This was good. ^
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