[MUSIC] 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. It's still looking very good.
You're 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 well 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 organizations 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 honour 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. Two hundred 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 how 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 of 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.