Stephen Fry Addresses the Nation | Channel 4 Alternative Christmas Message

Dec 25, 2023 | National treasure, Stephen Fry has an important message for the British public during the holidays. In this deeply personal speech, Fry celebrates how far Britain has come in accepting and tolerating difference since his youth. He reveals that growing up he feared he would not be accepted for his sexuality but that he never suspected it would be his Jewish heritage that would make him afraid of how others behaved.

What a delightful and touching Christmas message! – Mark

Steinmeier's Christmas Speech: 'The World Has Presented Its Dark Side' | DW News

Dec 25, 2023 | German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier focused on the need for courage and cooperation in the face of challenges in Germany and around the world in his annual Christmas address.

The German president emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong democracy, stating that that could only happen if people were engaged and if they worked to "ensure that what is not yet good today is better tomorrow."

Steinmeier acknowledged that the year has left many Germans concerned about "unresolved issues here in our country."

The speech included gratitude for police, firefighters, military personnel, health care workers and other institutions.

Looking forward to next year, Steinmeier noted that Germany's Basic Law is turning 75 and should be celebrated. Steinmeier said the constitution could guide the nation through challenging times.

The Pope Delivers His Christmas Day Message

Dec 25, 2023 | Pope Francis renewed his appeal for peace in the Middle East in his traditional Christmas message from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, denouncing the role of the arms trade in fomenting violence around the world.

The Pope, 87, who suffers from pain in his hip and knee, and at times seemed short of breath, delivered his Christmas message for the first time sitting down. He makes frequent use of a wheel-chair, walks with a stick and often delegates the leading role in religious ceremonies to colleagues.

Francis said he embraced the peoples of Israel and the Occupied Territories, and in particular the Christian community of Gaza, while members of the crowd waved around 20 Palestinian flags.

The King's Christmas Broadcast 2023

Dec 25, 2023 | HM King Charles III delivers his annual Christmas message to the nation and the Commonwealth.