"At Christmas I am 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. 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".from Her Majesty the Queen's Christmas message, broadcast today. [read it all here]
Tuesday, 25 December 2012
Not afraid to speak of Christian faith.
When so many churchmen seem to shy away from it, and politicians either fear to mention it, or despise it, or - at best - attempt to channel it for their own purposes, it is left to the monarch to speak about the Christian faith and the values which flow from it:
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Yes, indeed, a wonderful statement of faith shining out like a beacon in this narcissistic world.
ReplyDeleteBut I do wish she had said 'a young mother and a dutiful husband' rather than 'father'.
Of course, you are absolutely right, and I'm sure the Queen is well aware of St Joseph's role in the birth of the Incarnate Lord.
ReplyDeleteBut I can't help wondering whether she was trying to make another point altogether about 'dutiful' fatherhood in a society such as ours has become.
All very fine as far as she goes, but I can't help feeling a trifle uneasy with her understanding of the purpose of the Incarnation. Wasn't it to do a bit more than to provide us with an example and a body of teachings, and aren't the members of his Body brought together by something altogether more powerful than community spirit? The trouble is, this is probably fairly standard middle-of-the-road CofE belief.
ReplyDeleteWonderful and inspiring message from the Queen. I am especially touched by these lines, "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." Thank you for sharing this message here with us. Merry Christmas one and all.
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