In many ways, this famous opening line of the novel, A tale of two cities, by British writer, Charles Dickens, reads true for the year 2015. So many good and bad things have happened that it is uncertain whether to feel joy or sadness as the year rolls to an end.
The migrant crisis grows each day as the ISIS scourge looms in the Middle East and spreads gradually to the North of Africa. And even in Nigeria itself, the Nigerian Army’s war against Boko Haram although claiming a victory, has still left thousands dead and even millions more homeless.
Barely a month ago, the city of Paris was struck with a deadly attack that left hundreds dead and an entire country grieving.
It is in the face of all these challenges that we enter into the Christmas celebrations of the year 2015.
And traditionally, the Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth II will deliver her Christmas address to all of Britain and many parts of the British Commonwealth.
The speech, written by the queen herself, will be broadcast in the afternoon on Christmas Day and according to excerpts released by the Buckingham Palace, will include reflections on her own personal beliefs as she stresses on the importance of family.
The queen will also use her speech to offer hope in these troubled times. Noting that despite the moments of darkness this year has been wrought with, light will still triumph over the darkness.
“The Gospel of John contains a verse of great hope, often read at Christmas carol services: ‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it,'” her speech is said to read.
The queen will also note the 70 anniversary of the end of World War 2 in her speech by thanking those who served in the conflict.
The queen, alongside her husband, Prince Philip and senior members of the royal family, will begin the Christmas celebrations by attending church services before retiring to her Sandringham estate in Norfolk where she will spend the rest of the celebrations with a gala Christmas lunch after church, followed by a walk.
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