The Princess of Wales has released a letter to all attendees of her annual Together at Christmas carol service, writing that love is the greatest gift we can receive.

The royal has shared her letter ahead of this year’s carol service at Westminster Abbey, themed around love and empathy and how important it is to have the people we love surrounding us in the most difficult moments of our lives.

Catherine writes: “The Christmas story encourages us to consider the experiences and feelings of others… Above all else, it encourages us to turn to love, not fear. The love that we show ourselves and the love we show others. Love that listens with empathy, love that is kind and understanding, love that is forgiving, and love that brings joy and hope.”

Among the guests—including many members of the British Royal Family—are those from around the United Kingdom who have led with love and empathy in their communities this year.

Catherine writes: “It is this love which is the greatest gift we can receive. Not just at Christmas, but every day of our lives. Love is the light that can shine bright, even in our darkest times. We all have something we can offer one another. Gentle words or a receptive ear, an arm around an exhausted shoulder, or silently being by someone’s side.”

Of the invited guests, she writes that these “inspiring people” have embraced those in need by providing “comfort, counsel, and connection, and above all else they have shown that love unites and strengthens us all.”

Catherine started the Together at Christmas carol service in 2021, in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic, as a way to thank the first responders and other community leaders for the work they did during a public health crisis.

It has continued every year themed around a different aspect of community life—in 2022, the late Queen Elizabeth II’s life of service and duty took the lead; in 2023, those in the early years sector got the spotlight.

Catherine writes: “Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year. It is a time for celebration and joy, but it also gives us the opportunity to slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all. It is when we stop and take ourselves away from the pressures of daily life, that we find the space to live our lives with an open heart, with love, kindness and forgiveness – so much of what the Christmas spirit is all about.”

Together at Christmas will air on ITV on Christmas Eve.