Christmas is a time for celebration. But this year it is a more sombre occasion for many. Some of those things which could once have been taken for granted suddenly seem less certain,and naturally give rise to feelings of insecurity. People are touched by events which have their roots far across the world.Whether it is the global economy or violence in a distant land, effects can be keenly felt at home.Once again many of our service men and women are serving on operations in common cause to bring peace and security to troubled places.In this 90th year since the end of the First World War,the last survivors recently commemorated the service and enormous sacrifice of their own generation. Their successors in theatres such as Iraq and Afghanistan are still to be found in harm's way in the service of others.For their loved ones, the worry will never cease until they are safely home.In such times as these we can all learn some lessons from the past.
