The transforming power of love was the Queen's theme

HOW WILL you celebrate Christmas? What are your family traditions? Gathering around the telly at 3pm is one of ours. However, for a few fleeting moments next Sunday Christmas may feel a little unfamiliar.

- Stephen Cottrell

For the first time since most of us can remember, we’ll turn on the TV for the big Christmas Day speech and her majesty Queen Elizabeth II won’t be with us. Someone else will be speaking.

Her son.

Watching his speech will become the new Christmas Day tradition.

And in that moment, many of us may well say a quick heartfelt prayer of thanks for her late majesty’s incredible life and example. But then we’ll get on with our celebrations – and enjoy hearing what our new King has to say.

In my home city of York, a magnificent statue has been erected in tribute to her late majesty.

I was privileged to stand with King Charles as he unveiled the monument outside York Minster on a rainy afternoon last month.

He spoke tenderly about his beloved mother and the gift and legacy she leaves behind.

“She was always vigilant for the welfare of her people,” the King told the crowd.

“She was a constant example of the duty and care for others, and for our community, which is the calling and the duty we all share.”

I then offered a prayer of blessing over the statue – grateful for the copious amounts of “holy water” being supplied by the heavens as I spoke. Though I’m not sure the crowd were as grateful.

I have been reflecting on the King’s words.