is a responsibility owned by people of all faiths and of none. we care for the earth for the sake of our children s children. during my lifetime, i ve been so pleased to see a growing awareness of how we must protect the earth and our natural world, as the one home which we all share. ifind great inspiration now from the way so many people recognise this, as does the christmas story, which tells us that angels brought the message of hope, first, to shepherds. these were people who lived simply amongst others of god s creatures. those close to nature were privileged that night. and at a time of increasingly tragic conflict around the world, i pray that we can also do all in our power to protect each other. the words ofjesus seem more than ever relevant, do to others as you would have them do to you. such values are universal, drawing together our abrahamic family of religions, and other belief systems, across the commonwealth and wider world. they remind us to imagine oursel
the words ofjesus seem more than ever relevant, do to others as you would have them do to you. such values are universal, drawing together our abrahamic family of religions, and other belief systems, across the commonwealth and wider world. they remind us to imagine ourselves in the shoes of our neighbours and to seek their good as we would our own. so, on this christmas day, my heart and my thanks go to all who are serving one another, all who are caring for our common home and all who see and seek the good of others, not least the friend we do not yet know. in this way, we bring out the best in ourselves. i wish you a christmas of peace on earth and goodwill to all, today and always. # while shepherds watched their flocks by night # all seated on the ground # the angel of the lord came down # and glory shone around all: # fear not, said he # for mighty dread # had seized their troubled mind # glad tidings of greatjoy i bring # to you and all mankind # to you in david