As a child, I never imagined that one day a man would walk on the moon.
Yet this year we marked the fiftieth anniversary of the famous Apollo 11 mission.
As those historic pictures were beamed backed 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 6th June 1944,
some one hundred and fifty-six thousand 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 Seventy-Fifth 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 promo
te peace and unity around the world, bringing together those who have been on opposing sides. By bei
ng willing to put past differences behind us and move forward together, we honour the freedom and de
mocracy 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 h
ave been struck by how new generations have brought a similar sense of purpose to issues such as pro
tecting our environment and our climate.
My family and I are also inspired by the men and women of our emergency services and Armed Forces; a
nd 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 an
d 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 insi
gnificant step overlooked by many in Bethlehem.
But in time, through his teaching and by his example, Jesus Christ would show the world how small st
eps 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 ma
y 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 Midnig
ht 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 g
oodwill.
It's a timely reminder of what positive things can be achieved when people set aside past difference
s 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 th
e small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.
And so, I wish you all a very happy Christmas.