Watch: Queen offers personal message of hope in Christmas Day speech
The Queen delivered her Christmas message after a difficult year for people in Britain and the Commonwealth.
With families across the country mourning loved ones who died of coronavirus during the pandemic, the Queen said she and her family were touched by the stories of people volunteering across the country.
She also encouraged people to keep hoping for Christmas next year.
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Here is your complete message.
“Every year, we announce the arrival of Christmas, turning on the lights. And light does more than create a festive mood – light brings hope.
“For Christians, Jesus is ‘the light of the world’, but we cannot celebrate his birth today in the usual way. People of all religions were unable to gather as they would like at their festivals, such as Easter, Easter, Eid and Vaisakhi. But we need life to continue.
“Last month, fireworks lit up the sky around Windsor, while Hindus, Sikhs and Jains celebrated Diwali, the festival of lights, providing joyful moments of hope and unity – despite social distance.
“Notably, a year that necessarily separated people, in many ways, brought us together. Throughout the Community, my family and I have been inspired by stories of people volunteering in their communities, helping those in need.
“In the UK and around the world, people are up to the challenges of the year, and I am very proud and moved by that quiet and indomitable spirit. I would like to thank our young people in particular for the role they have played.
“This year, we celebrate International Nurses Day, on the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale. Like other nursing pioneers like Mary Seacole, Florence Nightingale launched a lamp of hope around the world.
“Today, our frontline services still shine for us – supported by the incredible achievements of modern science – and we owe them a debt of gratitude.
“We continue to be inspired by the kindness of strangers and to seek the comfort that – even on the darkest nights – there is hope for the new dawn.
“Jesus touched on this with the parable of the Good Samaritan. The man who is robbed and left at the side of the road is saved by someone who did not share his religion or culture. This wonderful story of kindness is still relevant today.
“Good Samaritans have emerged across society showing care and respect for everyone, regardless of gender, race or origin, reminding us that each of us is special and equal in the eyes of God.
“Christ’s teachings served as my inner light, as well as the sense of purpose that we can find when we come together to worship.
“In November, we celebrate another hero – although no one knows his name. The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior is not a big memorial, but everyone who enters Westminster Abbey needs to walk around his resting place, honoring this nameless combatant from World War I – a symbol of selfless duty and ultimate sacrifice.
“The unknown warrior was not exceptional. That is the question. He represents millions like him, who throughout our history have placed the lives of others above theirs, and will do so today. For me, this is a source of lasting hope in difficult and unpredictable times.
“Of course, for many, this time of year will be tinged with sadness: some mourning the loss of their loved ones, and others losing friends and family distanced from safety, when all they really want for Christmas is a simple hug or a handshake.
“If you are among them, you are not alone and let me assure you of my thoughts and prayers.
“The Bible tells how a star appeared in heaven, its light guiding pastors and sages to the scene of Jesus’ birth. May the light of Christmas – the spirit of self-denial, love and above all hope – guide us in the times to come.
“It is in this spirit that I wish you a very happy Christmas.”
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