As a child I never imagined that one day a man would walk on the moon yet this
year we marked the 50th anniversary of the famous Apollo 11 mission
[Ground control] It's still looking very good, your go.
The eagle has landed.
as those historic pictures were beamed back to earth,
millions of us sat transfixed to our television screens as we watched
Neil Armstrong taking a small step for man and a giant leap for mankind
and indeed for womankind.
It's a reminder for us all that giant leaps often start
with small steps.
This year we marked another important anniversary:
D-day, on the 6th of June 1944 some 156,000 British, Canadian
and American forces landed in northern France.
It was the largest ever seaborne invasion and was delayed
due to bad weather.
I will remember the look of concern on my father's face.
He knew the secret d-day plans but could of course share that
burden with no one.
For the 75th anniversary of that decisive battle,
in a true spirit of reconciliation, those who had formerly been sworn enemies came
together in friendly commemorations either side of the channel
putting past differences behind them.
Such reconciliation seldom happens overnight.
It takes patience and time to rebuild trust and progress often comes
through small steps.
Since the end of the Second World War, many charities groups
and organisations have worked to promote peace and unity around the world
bringing together those who have been on opposing sides.
By being willing to put past differences behind us and move forward together we
honor the freedom and democracy once won for us at so great a cost.
The challenges many people face today
may be different to those once faced by my generation but
I have been struck by how new generations have brought a similar sense
of purpose to issues such as protecting our environment and our climate.
My family and I are also inspired by the men and women of our emergency services
and Armed Forces and at Christmas we remember all those on duty at home and
abroad who are helping those in need and keeping us and our families safe and secure.
200 years on from the birth of my great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria
Prince Philip and I have been delighted to welcome our eighth great grandchild
into our family.
Of course at the heart of the Christmas story lies the birth of
a child a seemingly small and insignificant step overlooked by many in
Bethlehem but in time through his teaching and by his example Jesus Christ
would show the world has small steps taken in faith and in hope can overcome
long-held differences and deep-seated divisions to bring harmony and
understanding.
Many of us already try to follow in his footsteps.
The path of course is not always smooth
and may at times this year have felt quite bumpy
but small steps can make a world of difference.
As Christmas dawned, church congregations around the world
joined in singing, It came upon the midnight clear.
Like many timeless carols it speaks not just to the coming of Jesus Christ
into a divided world many years ago but also of the relevance even today of the
Angels message of peace and goodwill.
it's a timely reminder of what positive
things can be achieved when people set aside past differences and come together
in the spirit of friendship and reconciliation and as we all look
forward to the start of a new decade it's worth remembering that it is often
the small steps not the giant leaps that bring about the most lasting change and
so I wish you all a very happy Christmas.