00:28Transcribed by ESO, translated by —
00:59Transcribed by —
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01:59Transcribed by —
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02:29Such reconciliation seldom happens overnight.
02:34It takes patience and time to rebuild trust, and progress often comes through small steps.
02:42Since the end of the Second World War, many charities, groups and organisations have worked
02:50to promote peace and unity around the world, bringing together those who have been on opposing
02:56sides. By being willing to put past differences behind us and move forward together, we honour
03:05the freedom and democracy once won for us at so great a cost. The challenges many people
03:13face today may be different to those once faced by my generation, but I have been struck
03:20by how new generations have brought a similar sense of purpose to issues such as protecting
03:26our environment and our climate. My family and I are also inspired by the men and women
03:33of our emergency services and armed forces. And at Christmas, we remember all those on
03:40duty at home and abroad who are helping those in need and keeping us and our families safe
03:47and secure. 200 years on from the birth of my great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, Prince
03:55Philip and I have been delighted to welcome our eighth great-grandchild into our family.
04:01Of course, at the heart of the Christmas story lies the birth of a child, a seemingly small
04:08and insignificant step overlooked by many in Bethlehem. But in time, through his teaching
04:15and by his example, Jesus Christ would show the world how small steps, taken in faith and
04:22in hope, can overcome long-held differences and deep-seated divisions to bring harmony and understanding.
04:31Many of us already try to follow in his footsteps. The path, of course, is not always smooth,
04:38and may at times this year have felt quite bumpy, but small steps can make a world of difference.
04:46As Christmas dawned, church congregations around the world joined in singing.
04:52It came upon the midnight clear. Like many timeless carols, it speaks not just of the coming of Jesus
05:00Christ into a divided world many years ago, but also of the relevance, even today, of the angel's message of
05:09peace and goodwill.
05:12It's a timely reminder of what positive things can be achieved when people set aside past differences and come together
05:21in the spirit of friendship and reconciliation.
05:25And as we all look forward to the start of a new decade, it's worth remembering that it is often
05:31the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.
05:38And so I wish you all a very happy Christmas.
05:53It came upon the midnight clear, the glorious Son of the Lord, from angels' bend in Judea, to touch their
06:11hearts.
06:11The full son of God, peace and goodwill, from heaven to the precious family, the world in solemn silence.
06:29And so on and so on and so on and so on and so on and so on and so
06:34on and so on and so on and so on and so on and so on.
07:08CHOIR SINGS
07:22CHOIR SINGS
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