2012 The Queen

MUSIC: "God Save The Queen"

This past year has been one of great celebration for many.

The enthusiasm which greeted the Diamond Jubilee was of course

especially memorable for me and my family.

It was humbling that so many chose to mark

the anniversary of a duty which passed to me 60 years ago.

People of all ages took the trouble to take part in various ways

and in many nations.

But perhaps most striking of all, was to witness

the strength of fellowship

and friendship among those who had gathered together

on these occasions.

Prince Philip and I were joined by our family on the River Thames,

as we paid tribute to those who have shaped

the United Kingdom's past and future as a maritime nation

and welcomed a wonderful array of craft, large and small,

from across the Commonwealth.

On the barges and the bridges and the banks of the river,

there were people who had taken their places

to cheer through the mist, undaunted by the rain.

That day was a tremendous sense of common determination

to celebrate, triumphing over the elements.

MUSIC: "The Sailor's Hornpipe"

That same spirit was also in evidence from the moment

the Olympic flame arrived on these shores.

CHEERING

The flame itself drew hundreds and thousands of people

on its journey around the British Isles.

And was carried by every kind of deserving individual,

many nominated for their own extraordinary service.

MUSIC: "Heroes" by David Bowie

As London hosted a splendid summer of sport,

all those who saw the achievement and courage

at the Olympic and Paralympic Games were further inspired by the skill,

dedication, training and teamwork of our athletes.

In pursuing their own sporting goals, they gave the rest of us

the opportunity to share something of the excitement and drama.

We were reminded, too,

that the success of these great festivals

depended to an enormous degree

on the dedication and effort of an army of volunteers.

Those public-spirited people came forward in the great tradition

of all those who devote themselves to keeping others safe,

supported and comforted.

For many, Christmas is also a time for coming together.

But for others, service will come first.

Those serving in our armed forces, in our emergency services

and in our hospitals, whose sense of duty

takes them away from family and friends,

will be missing those they love.

And those who have lost loved ones may find this day

especially full of memories.

That's why it's important at this time of year to reach out

beyond our familiar relationships, to think of those who are on their own.

At Christmas, I'm always struck by how the spirit of togetherness

lies also at the heart of the Christmas story.

A young mother and a dutiful father, with their baby,

were joined by poor shepherds and visitors from afar.

They came with their gifts to worship the Christ child.

From that day on, He has inspired people to commit themselves

to the best interests of others.

This is the time of year

when we remember that God sent His only Son to serve, not to be served.

He restored love and service to the centre of our lives,

in the person of Jesus Christ.

It is my prayer this Christmas Day that His example and teaching

will continue to bring people together,

to give the best of themselves in the service of others.

CHOIR HUMS

The carol In The Bleak Midwinter

ends by asking a question of all of us who know the Christmas story

of how God gave Himself to us in humble service.

"What can I give Him, poor as I am?

"If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb,

"If I were a wise man, I would do my part."

The carol gives the answer.

"Yet what I can I give Him, give my heart."

I wish you all a very happy Christmas.

# In the bleak midwinter

# Frosty wind made moan

# Earth stood hard as iron

# Water like a stone

# Snow had fallen, snow on snow

# Snow on snow

# In the bleak midwinter

# Long ago

# Our God, heaven cannot hold Him

# Nor earth sustain

# Heaven and earth shall flee away

# When He comes to reign

# In the bleak midwinter

# A stable place sufficed

# The Lord God Almighty

# Jesus Christ. #