The King’s message of service and support

Charles III delivered his second Christmas message before a symbol of his devotion to the natural world. A living Christmas tree featured in the background for the first time – its roots still attached – as the monarch joined the nation in celebrating the birth of Christ.

The King began by reminding us of the ways in which religion brings people together. For some, he said, faith itself will be “uppermost in their hearts”, while for others it will be the “joy of fellowship and the giving of presents”. Many lucky families would have enjoyed the benefits of all three yesterday, knowing that faith, fellowship and giving go hand in hand.

His Majesty also said it was a time to remember those who are no longer with us. This was made poignant by the recent anniversary of the death of his mother, Elizabeth II. It is difficult not to remember the late Queen as we watch her values shine through the King, who reflects them with the same grace and dignity.

His Coronation this year worked its magic on the nation, as the ceremony has for a thousand years for previous monarchs. Britons poured into the streets, even in the rain, to pay tribute to their new King and to enjoy the splendour of tradition. For the vast majority watching the ceremony, it was a first-ever experience, but that profoundly Christian moment had no less an effect in uniting those of all faiths and none.

It was, moreover, a celebration of the communities that make up our United Kingdom, and the volunteers who serve in them. His Majesty yesterday recalled his and the Queen’s delight when “hundreds of representatives of that selfless army of people” joined them in Westminster Abbey to witness their crowning.

“They are an essential backbone of our society,” he said, with their presence emphasising the meaning of coronation itself: “Above all, a call to us all to serve one another; to love and care for all.”

Since then, the King has indisputably demonstrated his dedication to the service of the public. This year alone, he has taken part in more than 400 official engagements and conducted numerous state visits. The first, to Germany in March, was remarkable for its enthusiastic crowds. His visits to France in September and Kenya in November were met with a similarly warm welcome from both state and people.

After all, as the King said yesterday, service “lies at the heart of the Christmas story”. Jesus Christ came to serve the world, and to show how to love our neighbour as ourselves.

Today, amid all the misery and war, that example is as important as ever. It should provide hope to the brave Ukrainians, who have celebrated Christmas on December 25 – rather than January 7 – for the first time in their country’s history. Despite being engaged in a battle for their nation’s very survival, those men and women have somehow managed to teach us a lesson in humility.

They have fought and lost lives not just for Ukraine, but to maintain an international order that has kept us all safe. The duty of all democratic European countries, as their neighbour, must therefore be to give them as much support as possible.

Further tragedies can be seen in the Middle East, where Israel defends itself against barbaric, anti-semitic terrorists, Muslims are suppressed by totalitarian regimes, and Christians are persecuted by all manner of groups. We can only pray for a future in which all members of the Abrahamic family of faiths are able to live together, and love each other, in peace.

On the home front, this year has featured a different kind of struggle, as families anxiously manage their budgets amid inflation, rising taxation and shifting interest rates. Young people – especially those eager to build their own families – are restless over the seemingly perpetual housing crisis, and public services continue to be disrupted by strike action.

In such circumstances, we can hope that the story of Christ and the joy of Christmas offer some comfort. Indeed, they may even encourage people to help others in their community.

“This is all the more important at a time of real hardship for many, when we need to build on existing ways to support others less fortunate than ourselves,” the King said.

His leadership will surely inspire us to take up that challenge.