Let’s come together and find a sense of proportion

THE NORTHERN & SHELL BUILDING NUMBER 10 LOWER THAMES STREET, LONDON EC3R 6EN Tel: 020 8612 7000 (outside UK: +44 20 8612 7000)

CHRISTMAS is when families come together. And although, sadly, the essential message from the very first Christmas in Bethlehem is often overlooked amid the commercial clamour of our modern world, there is still a chance to reflect on our blessings and reach out to those for whom the festive season is anything but festive.

This year, Indonesia has witnessed a catastrophe that is hard to comprehend. Following an underwater landslide triggered by the eruption of the Krakatoa volcano and subsequent deadly tsunami, hundreds of innocent people have been swept away for ever.

In the next few days the death toll will rise, relatives will search in vain for their loved ones and whole communities will struggle to come to terms with their grief.

Here in Britain we often speak about the ongoing political maelstrom of our domestic politics – and of Brexit in particular – and we are good at complaining when things do not go our way. But these concerns are nothing compared to the events in Indonesia.

At the very least, there is a chance this Christmas for us to find a sense of proportion, especially when we are encouraged to think about the birth of a baby in a humble stable from whom a whole new culture emerged. At its best and most primal, that culture – our British culture – believes in putting others first and believes in forgiveness and compassion.

Far too often we are more aware of what divides us than what unites us. So we welcome the Prime Minister’s plea for people to find it within themselves to put aside their differences and “focus on what really matters”.

Writing in today’s Daily Express, Theresa May likens the country to a family coming together at Christmas. “I know that when the British people come together there is no limit to what we can achieve,” she says.

Coming together is not easy but we would do well to heed her advice.

In a similar vein, Her Majesty the Queen will use her Christmas message to remind us that “even with the most deeply held differences, treating the other person with respect and as a fellow human being is always a good first step”.

The Queen typically understates her case. She has lived a long life, during which she has seen countless natural disasters. Her own family has also endured its fair share of pain, but she has never lost her dignity or been tempted by self-pity. Instead, she has put the country first and continues to lead by example.

Her generosity of spirit is echoed by readers of this newspaper, who never cease to surprise us by their kindness and strength of character. We wish each one of you a Happy Christmas.