The Queen's Christmas Message

For years my mother would visit our family at Christmas time, and somehow in the midst of all the Christmas morning hubbub she would make sure that the TV was turned on to catch the Queen's Christmas Message. My mom, of course, remembered Queen Elizabeth as a young princess and followed her life through newspaper and magazine articles and was keen to watch any televised event in which she appeared. I am amazed and privileged to have enjoyed watching the Queen, who is 92, deliver a wonderful Christmas Message for 2018.

Her Majesty's theme was that of peace and good will, it is Christmas after all! She also reflected on events that took place over the past year, both nationally and personally with marriages and births in her family. On her desk were three family photos; one of her father in WWII military uniform, another of Prince Charles (heir to the throne) with his family, and a third of her and Prince Philip as a young couple (proud parents with broad smiles) with Charles as a baby. The images were a reminder of not only her longevity, but the endurance of her family, the monarchy and most importantly her role in steering the royal ship through, sometimes, turbulent waters.

What struck me the most about the Queen's message was, at the age of 92, her bewilderment at the "mysteries of life" - and how human beings can perform incredible humanitarian deeds and yet some engage in nothing but evil toward others. It is a refreshing switch from listening to other world leaders who think they have all the answers. She went on to urge all of us to be respectful and tolerant of each others differences.

I was truly impressed and inspired by Her Majesty's message for 2018 and take comfort in the fact that the Queen doesn't have all the answers any more than I do!

Enjoy the Queen's Message on the link below. Long Live the Queen!

The Queen's Christmas Message