Queen Elizabeth Delivers Annual Christmas Speech amid COVID-19 Crisis: 'We Need Life to Go On'
Queen Elizabeth honored one of her most steadfast traditions on Friday with her annual “Queen’s Speech” on Christmas. This year's address focused on the difficulties of the past several months amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
"Every year we herald the coming of Christmas by turning on the lights. And light does more than create a festive mood —light brings hope," she began. "For Christians, Jesus is ‘the light of the world,’ but we can’t celebrate his birth today in quite the usual way.
"People of all faiths have been unable to gather as they would wish for their festivals, such as Passover, Easter, Eid, and Vaisakhi. But we need life to go on. Last month, fireworks lit up the sky around Windsor, as Hindus, Sikhs and Jains celebrated Diwali, the festival of lights, providing joyous moments of hope and unity — despite social distancing."
Unlike in years past, the Queen, 94, didn't mention any personal details of the past year, such as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's exit from royal life or the wedding of her granddaughter Princess Beatrice. Instead, she made a call for hope and unity in the face of extreme difficulty.
Erin Hill
Fri, December 25, 2020, 7:09 AM PST
Victoria Jones - WPA Pool/Getty Queen Elizabeth's 2020 Christmas speech
Queen Elizabeth honored one of her most steadfast traditions on Friday with her annual “Queen’s Speech” on Christmas. This year's address focused on the difficulties of the past several months amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
"Every year we herald the coming of Christmas by turning on the lights. And light does more than create a festive mood —light brings hope," she began. "For Christians, Jesus is ‘the light of the world,’ but we can’t celebrate his birth today in quite the usual way.
"People of all faiths have been unable to gather as they would wish for their festivals, such as Passover, Easter, Eid, and Vaisakhi. But we need life to go on. Last month, fireworks lit up the sky around Windsor, as Hindus, Sikhs and Jains celebrated Diwali, the festival of lights, providing joyous moments of hope and unity — despite social distancing."
Unlike in years past, the Queen, 94, didn't mention any personal details of the past year, such as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's exit from royal life or the wedding of her granddaughter Princess Beatrice. Instead, she made a call for hope and unity in the face of extreme difficulty.
"Remarkably, a year that has necessarily kept people apart has, in many ways, brought us closer. Across the Commonwealth, my family and I have been inspired by stories of people volunteering in their communities, helping those in need," she continued.
"This year, we celebrated International Nurses’ Day, on the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale. As with other nursing pioneers like Mary Seacole, Florence Nightingale shone a lamp of hope across the world," she said. "Today, our front-line services still shine that lamp for us - supported by the amazing achievements of modern science - and we owe them a debt of gratitude. We continue to be inspired by the kindness of strangers and draw comfort that - even on the darkest nights - there is hope in the new dawn."
She also drew heavily on the strength she derives from her deep faith, which has helped her navigate the difficulties of life during the global pandemic. Those who know her say she misses the community feel of going to church with friends and family.
"The teachings of Christ have served as my inner light, as has the sense of purpose we can find in coming together to worship," she said.
"Of course, for many, this time of year will be tinged with sadness: some mourning the loss of those dear to them, and others missing friends and family- members distanced for safety, when all they’d really want for Christmas is a simple hug or a squeeze of the hand. If you are among them, you are not alone, and let me assure you of my thoughts and prayers," she continued.
In conclusion, she said, "The Bible tells how a star appeared in the sky, its light guiding the shepherds and wise men to the scene of Jesus’s birth. Let the light of Christmas — the spirit of selflessness, love and above all hope — guide us in the times ahead. It is in that spirit that I wish you a very happy Christmas."
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/queen-elizabeth-delivers-annual-christmas-150949164.html