Jesus’s message of peace on earth and goodwill ‘needed as much as ever’, Queen says

Dec 26, 2018

Her Majesty the Queen has said that the Christian message of “peace on earth and goodwill” is “needed as much as ever”.

In her annual Christmas address, the Queen said Jesus’s words are “never out of date” and can be “heeded by everyone”. She also stressed the importance of treating people with opposing views with respect in words that some are interpreting as a comment on the state of public debate ahead of Brexit next March.

“Even with the most deeply-held differences, treating the other person with respect and as a fellow human being is always a good first step towards greater understanding,” the Queen said.

In her message, recorded earlier this month, the Queen also spoke on major events of 2018, including the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and England reaching the World Cup semi-finals.

As in previous years, the Queen also spoke openly about her Christian faith.

“Through the many changes I have seen over the years, faith, family and friendship have been not only a constant for me but a source of personal comfort and reassurance,” she said in this year’s address.

Last year, she said that Christ had inspired her “through good times and bad”, adding: “We remember the birth of Jesus Christ, whose only sanctuary was a stable in Bethlehem. He knew rejection, hardship and persecution.”

“And, yet, it is Jesus Christ’s generous love and example which has inspired me through good times and bad. Whatever your own experience is this year, wherever and however you are watching, I wish you a peaceful and very happy Christmas.”--Catholic Herald