It’s October 2000, and the Slip Inn pub in Sydney is buzzing. 28-year-old Mary, an account manager at an advertising agency, has popped in for a drink with friends. The conversation is light-hearted – something about whether men look better with or without chest hair! Unknown to most, among the group is Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark.
He’s in town for the Sydney Olympics, invited by a mutual friend. No fanfare, no entourage – just a man in a pub, laughing and chatting with others. When Mary shakes his hand, she doesn’t realise she’s meeting royalty. She carries on chatting, even sitting a little apart. Frederik, meanwhile, is drawn in. He asks questions – not about palaces or protocol, but about who she is and what she cares about. He doesn’t reveal he’s heir to the throne; he wants to be known, not admired from afar.
About 30 minutes later, Mary’s flatmate leans over and whispers: “You do know he’s the Crown Prince of Denmark, right?” Fast-forward nearly 9,000 miles and almost 25 years later, the streets of Copenhagen are filled with crowds. Flags wave, bells ring. Mary now stands on a royal balcony beside her husband – crowned Queen of Denmark, the first Australian-born queen in any monarchy.
This story opens The Light We Long For, a new 20-page giveaway booklet exploring how familiar Christmas symbols – visitors, trees, gifts, films, and treats – point to the astonishing news of the gospel.
Frederik’s story, a modern fairy tale, points to a greater truth: God’s connection with us at Christmas was not a display of impressive power but a humble drawing near. So when we open our homes at Christmas – to family, friends, even strangers – we echo the greatest Visitor of all, who came quietly and unexpectedly.
As for the Christmas tree, around 85% of UK households will put one up this year. For a supposedly secular nation, that’s extraordinary – especially considering its historical meaning. The Christmas tree traces back to 15th century Germany. 24 December was the Feast of Adam and Eve, marked by “paradise trees.” Evergreens were decorated with red apples (symbolising humanity’s rejection of God in Genesis), communion wafers, and candles (pointing to the light Jesus offers), “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree”, 1 Peter 2:24. Apples became baubles, wafers became sweets, and candles became fairy lights – but for those who look closely, the story remains the same.
These themes of humbly welcoming others and displaying the gospel aren’t just for those outside the church. Christmas offers a unique opportunity for Christians to connect, collaborate, and share the good news together. Initiatives like the Shine Your Light project demonstrate this beautifully, bringing together churches across the UK to serve, celebrate, and witness together. This year it hopes to see 200,000 Christians reach 2 million people in the UK and Ireland by taking carol services and the Christmas message out into public spaces.
"These themes of humbly welcoming others and displaying the gospel aren’t just for those outside the church."
How might you come together with other believers this year? Perhaps you could share your space, borrow decorations, or host a joint event. Just as the first visitors to Jesus – shepherds and wise men, poor and rich, local and far-flung – came together around Him, so we can celebrate together around the light of Christ.
The Light We Long For is designed to be shared in these moments – whether at unity mission events, community gatherings, or simply slipped in with a gift. Copies start from just 80p each. Click here to find out more.
