German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier used his Christmas address on December 24 to highlight the importance of community, communication and cooperation and called on his fellow Germans to work together and help each other in difficult times.
“A light shines in the darkness,” He said in a televised speech: “A light is shining in the darkness.”
For Steinmeier (Germany’s head of state, unlike Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the current head of government), many worries big and small can darken the world: illness, loss, loneliness, job insecurity, or global crises and wars.
But he also said light can be found in “community”: family, friends, groups, clubs and any experience that makes people feel welcome and accepted – especially at Christmas, which, he said, “makes our lives more optimistic, happier, warmer and more optimistic.”
Steinmeier: ‘We need community’
In a world dominated by social media and individualism, Steinmeier reminded Germans that “we need community” and encouraged them to reach out to each other.
“I believe that if we join with others in search of goals and guidance, we can accomplish much, provided we allow others to speak and listen carefully to what they have to say, rather than simply repeating what we ourselves have always thought to be true,” Steinmeier said.
“Finding a sense of direction by asking genuine questions, being open, engaging in dialogue, and taking joint action can illuminate the path ahead of us and give it a purpose.”
Steinmeier said Christmas is a time when friendships, partnerships and family ties are renewed through visits or festive greetings, a time when people are reminded how many “essential trusted companions” we have throughout life.
“And we know that we can count on lasting relationships in both good and bad days,” Steinmeier said, while later adding that “we also know that being there for others gives our lives fulfillment and meaning.”
Solidarity with Ukraine as Russia’s invasion reaches fifth year
Steinmeier’s address also had a political note, as the president offered his solidarity with Ukrainians, whose suffering caused by Russian aggression is approaching the fifth year.
“In recent times there have been intensive efforts to find ways to end the war,” he said. “Most of us will have followed the events with hope, but also with doubt and concern.”
Still, he said he finds hope in another form of community: Europe. He said Europeans “need to become aware once again of our strengths and values and act accordingly.”
“Throughout the centuries, we have learned how important – indeed essential – freedom, human dignity, a just peace and democratic self-determination are,” he said. “We will not give up, neither for ourselves nor for our friends and partners.”
Edited by: Wesley Dockery