Friday 26 December 2008

Queen Elizabeth II's 2008 Christmas Message

The media is full of hype over the Queen of England’s sombre Christmas Message. She uses the word “sombre” early in the message, and I think the media just grabbed at it to distort her message for their skewed benefit.

I watched Queen Elizabeth’s Christmas Message (see below) and thought it not sombre at all. Instead, it is a beautiful message. Albeit starting with a look at the difficult current world situation, it ends with the following poignant focus on the message of Christmas.
I hope that, like me, you will be comforted by the example of Jesus of Nazareth who, often in circumstances of great adversity, managed to live an outgoing, unselfish and sacrificial life. Countless millions of people around the world continue to celebrate his birthday at Christmas, inspired by his teaching.

He makes it clear that genuine human happiness and satisfaction lie more in giving than receiving; more in serving than in being served.

We can surely be grateful that, two thousand years after the birth of Jesus, so many of us are able to draw inspiration from his life and message, and to find in him a source of strength and courage.
Watch the YouTube-video below, or read the full transcript here.



Her annual Christmas message is one of the few times the Queen can publicly voice her own opinion without the consent of the cabinet; she writes her Christmas speech herself. I respect her for choosing not to exploit this occasion as an opportunity to take a stab at parliament; but instead, focus on a message of goodwill, hope and encouragement. And as such, I can overlook the shameless PR she is doing for her son, Charles, and her grandsons, the princes William and Harry.

1 comment:

Lindi said...

Lovely message, I concure with you media is always looking for a loop.

Probably she uses the word"sombre" to comfort everybody as we are affected by global economic collapse.

I even like her refelction on Jesus in her conclusion.

Wow brings memories to see Berkingham palace where i steped in.