The Princess of Wales has spoken about the importance of love at Christmas time and that quiet gestures of love take place all around us, whether through words of comfort, friendly conversation, or simply just being there. In a personal message to each of the 1,600 guests invited to her annual Christmas Carol Concert, Catherine said: “These simple acts of care might seem small, but they contribute to the beautiful tapestry of life to which we all belong. Christmas is a time that reminds us how deeply our lives are woven together.
“Just as the roots of trees share strength beneath the soil, unseen but vital, so too do we. “We are drawn by an instinctive pull towards belonging and connection.” The princess’s fifth Together at Christmas service takes place on Friday at Westminster Abbey and will honour love in all its forms – whether within families, through friendships, across communities or kindness between strangers.
In her message, Catherine speaks of the “power of reaching out to one another with generosity of heart, understanding and hope” and the effect small gestures can have on others.
She writes: “These simple acts of care might seem small, but they contribute to the beautiful tapestry of life to which we all belong.
“Christmas is a time that reminds us how deeply our lives are woven together. Just as the roots of trees share strength beneath the soil, unseen but vital, so too do we.”
The service will celebrate individuals from across the UK who may have dedicated or volunteered their time to be present with others, led initiatives that bring people in their community together, or offered a helping hand to those around them.
This includes nine-year-old Saphia Turner who has raised nearly £2,000 for food banks through selling her artwork and taking part in sponsored physical challenges, and Ann Davies, 80, who has been a volunteer cook with the Moses Project since 2016.
Each guest will receive the special message from the princess alongside their Order of Service, thanking them for their simple acts of love and kindness.
“The time, care and compassion you give, often quietly and unspoken, and without any expectation or recognition, make an extraordinary difference to the lives of others,” Catherine says. “As the year draws to a close, I hope this season brings you moments of peace and clarity, and that you too, feel surrounded by the same love and care that you offer so freely.
“Thank you for the warmth you have given and the kindness you have shown, and the quiet constant light you bring to others.”
During the event, readings linked to the theme of love, compassion and connection will be delivered by Hollywood stars Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor, comic Babatunde Aleshe and rising actor Joe Locke, with the speakers accompanied by pianist Paul Gladstone Reid.
Guests will see candles lit by people William and Kate have met in recent years and others taking part in the service, which will also showcase the stories of some of those invited, who are helping to create a more caring and connected society.
The congregation will be able to add their names to a “connection tree” symbolising the power of togetherness and the importance of moments of connection with one another.
Some 15 community carol services, held in places including the Coronation Street Visitor Centre, an arts centre in Newbury and a community farm in Gwent, are also set to take place across the UK with the same love and togetherness theme.
The Westminster Abbey service is to air on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve and will be repeated on Christmas Day.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.express.co.uk ’
