第一篇：2015英國女王圣誕致辭中英雙語

2015英國女王圣誕致辭

At this time of year, few sights evoke more feelings of cheer and goodwill than the twinkling lights of a Christmas tree.每年此時，沒有什么情景比一棵圣誕樹上閃爍的燈光更讓人感到歡樂祥和。

The popularity of a tree at Christmas is due in part to my great-great grandparents, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.After this touching picture was published, many families wanted a Christmas tree of their own, and the custom soon spread.人們對圣誕樹的喜愛要部分歸功于我的曾曾曾祖父母——維多利亞女王和阿爾伯特親王。這張溫馨的圖片公布后，很多家庭都想要一棵自己的圣誕樹，這一習(xí)俗也很快普及開來。

In 1949, I spent Christmas in Malta as a newly-married naval wife.We have returned to that island over the years, including last month for a meeting of Commonwealth leaders;and this year I met another group of leaders: The Queen's Young Leaders, an inspirational group, each of them a symbol of hope in their own Commonwealth communities.1949年，初為軍嫂的我在馬耳他度過圣誕節(jié)。多年以來，我們多次回到馬耳他島，上個月還在那里召開英聯(lián)邦領(lǐng)導(dǎo)人會議。今年我會晤了另一批領(lǐng)導(dǎo)人，“女王青年領(lǐng)袖”是一個鼓舞人心的團(tuán)體，每個人都是各自英聯(lián)邦社區(qū)的希望。

Gathering round the tree gives us a chance to think about the year ahead--I am looking forward to a busy 2016, though I have been warned I may have Happy Birthday sung to me more than once or twice.聚在圣誕樹旁，讓我們有機(jī)會展望來年。我盼望著2016年忙忙碌碌，盡管有人說，我可能不止一次甚至兩次聽到生日歌。

It also allows us to reflect on the year that has passed, as we think of those who are far away or no longer with us.Many people say the first Christmas after losing a loved one is particularly hard.But it's also a time to remember all that we have to be thankful for.圣誕樹讓我們回首過去的一年，于是我們想到了那些遠(yuǎn)離和已經(jīng)離開我們的人。很多人說失去平生所愛后的第一個圣誕節(jié)是最艱難的，可此時也該想想我們要感恩的人。

It is true that the world has had to confront moments of darkness this year, but the Gospel of John contains a verse of great hope, often read at Christmas carol services: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it”.今年，世界不得不面對諸多黑暗時刻，這是事實。可《約翰福音》有一句充滿希望的話這樣說，圣誕贊歌中常常朗誦，“光明照亮了黑暗，黑暗卻無法蒙蔽光明。”

One cause for thankfulness this summer was marking 70 years since the end of the Second World War.On VJ Day, we honoured the remaining veterans of that terrible conflict in the Far East, as well as remembering the thousands who never returned.今年夏天紀(jì)念二戰(zhàn)結(jié)束七十周年是一件值得感恩的事。在對日作戰(zhàn)勝利日，我們給在遠(yuǎn)東那場可怕戰(zhàn)役中的在世老兵們授勛，緬懷數(shù)千名沒有回到祖國的犧牲者。The procession from Horse Guards Parade to Westminster Abbey must have been one of the slowest ever, because so many people wanted to say “thank you” to them.從騎兵衛(wèi)隊場到威斯敏斯特宮的隊伍大抵是行進(jìn)最慢的一次，太多的人想對他們說一聲“謝謝”。

At the end of that war, the people of Oslo began sending an annual gift of a Christmas tree for Trafalgar Square.It has 500 light bulbs and is enjoyed not just by Christians but by people of all faiths, and of none.At the very top sits a bright star, to represent the Star of Bethlehem.戰(zhàn)爭結(jié)束后，奧斯陸人民每年向特拉法加廣場贈送一棵圣誕樹。樹上掛著500個燈泡，不僅基督徒喜愛它，無論何種信仰或有無信仰的人們都喜愛它。在樹頂有一顆明星，它代表著“伯利恒之星”。

譯者注：所謂“伯利恒之星”是《圣經(jīng)》中記載的一顆奇特天體。據(jù)說，在耶穌誕生時，有三個博士在東方觀察到一顆屬于“猶太人之王”的星，前來耶路撒冷拜見，就在博士們前往附近的伯利恒尋找時，先前看見的那顆星，又忽然出現(xiàn)在前方，引領(lǐng)他們來到耶穌降生之處。后世科學(xué)家推測這可能是金星和木星交匯。

The custom of topping a tree also goes back to Prince Albert's time.For his family's tree, he chose an angel, helping to remind us that the focus of the Christmas story is on one particular family.這一風(fēng)俗也可追溯到阿爾伯特親王時代。他把一個天使放在家里的圣誕樹頂，提醒我們圣誕節(jié)紀(jì)念了一個家庭的故事。

For Joseph and Mary, the circumstances of Jesus's birthwere far from ideal, but worse was to come as the family was forced to flee the country.It's no surprise that such a human story still captures our imagination and continues to inspire all of us who are Christians, the world over.對于約瑟和瑪麗而言，耶穌出生在馬廄，這樣的環(huán)境遠(yuǎn)非理想，可更糟糕的是這家人還被迫逃離故土。這個人倫故事依舊捕捉著我們的想象力，繼續(xù)激勵著全世界所有的基督徒，這并不令人驚訝。

Despite being displaced and persecuted throughout his short life, Christ's unchanging message was not one of revenge or violence but simply that we should love one another.基督短暫的一生中顛沛流離、飽受迫害，可他一如既往倡導(dǎo)的不是復(fù)仇和暴力，而是人人相愛。

Although it is not an easy message to follow, we shouldn't be discouraged;rather, it inspires us to try harder: to be thankful for the people who bring love and happiness into our own lives, and to look for ways of spreading that love to others, whenever and wherever we can.盡管踐行不易，我們也不要灰心。這鼓勵著我們要加倍努力，感謝那些給我們生命帶來愛和幸福的人，并想方設(shè)法將那份愛傳遞給他人——無論何時，無論何處。

One of the joys of living a long life is watching one's children, then grandchildren, then great-grandchildren, help decorate the Christmas tree.And this year my family has a new member to join in the fun.長壽的喜悅之一是兒孫繞膝。先是兒女，然后是孫輩，現(xiàn)在有重孫輩幫我裝扮圣誕樹。今年，我家又有一位新成員共享天

第二篇：2014經(jīng)典演講之英國女王圣誕致辭(雙語)

2014經(jīng)典演講之英國女王圣誕致辭(雙語)

In the ruins of the old Coventry Cathedral is a sculpture of a man and a woman reaching out to embrace each other.The sculptor was inspired by the story of a woman who crossed Europe on foot after the war to find her husband。

在考文垂大教堂的廢墟中，豎立著一座男女擁抱在一起的雕像。這座雕像的靈感來源于一位女性。二戰(zhàn)結(jié)束后，她走遍歐洲尋找自己失去音訊的丈夫。

Casts of the same sculpture can be found in Belfast and Berlin, and it is simply called Reconciliation。

同樣的雕像也豎立在貝爾法斯特和柏林，這座雕像叫做“和解”。

Reconciliation is the peaceful end to conflict, and we were reminded of this in August when countries on both sides of the First World War came together to remember in peace。

“和解”就是和平地結(jié)束沖突。今年八月，我們再一次回想起和解的重要。一百年前一戰(zhàn)敵對雙方的國家走到一起，共同紀(jì)念和平。

The ceramic poppies at the Tower of London drew millions, and the only possible reaction to seeing them and walking among them was silence.For every poppy a life;and a reminder of the grief of loved ones left behind。

倫敦塔前種下了數(shù)十萬陶瓷罌粟花。當(dāng)人們看到它們，從花朵中穿行之時，唯一可能的反應(yīng)就是沉默。每一朵罌粟花代表著一個生命，代表著活著的人對一戰(zhàn)中喪生的親人的哀思。

No one who fought in that war is still alive, but we remember their sacrifice and indeed the sacrifice of all those in the armed forces who serve and protect us today。

所有當(dāng)年參戰(zhàn)的士兵都已不在人世，但是我們依然銘記他們的犧牲以及所有今天正在服役并保護(hù)我們的軍人。

In 1914, many people thought the war would be over by Christmas, but sadly by then the trenches were dug and the future shape of the war in Europe was set。

1914年，很多人都認(rèn)為戰(zhàn)爭能夠在圣誕節(jié)前結(jié)束。但不幸的是，縱橫交錯的戰(zhàn)壕被挖掘出來，殘酷的現(xiàn)代歐洲戰(zhàn)爭的雛形形成了。

在非正式休戰(zhàn)期間，德英兩方軍隊于無人地帶會面。

But, as we know, something remarkable did happen that Christmas, exactly a hundred years ago today。

但是，我們知道，就在一百年前的今天發(fā)生了值得銘記的一幕：

Without any instruction or command, the shooting stopped and German and British soldiers met in No Man's Land.Photographs were taken and gifts exchanged.It was a Christmas truce。

沒有收到任何命令，士兵們主動停止了射擊。德國和英國士兵走出戰(zhàn)壕，在兩軍之間的交戰(zhàn)地帶相聚。照片拍下了他們互贈禮物的一幕。這就是1914年的圣誕休戰(zhàn)。

Truces are not a new idea.In the ancient world a truce was declared for the duration of the Olympic Games and wars and battles were put on hold。

休戰(zhàn)并不是一個新概念。在古代，奧林匹克舉辦期間就會宣布休戰(zhàn)，暫停所有戰(zhàn)爭與爭斗。

Sport has a wonderful way of bringing together people and nations, as we saw this year in Glasgow when over 70 countries took part in the Commonwealth Games。

體育有著將不同人民與國家?guī)У揭黄鸬纳衿媪α浚拖裎覀兘衲暝诟窭垢缗e行的有70個國家參加英聯(lián)邦運動會上所見一樣。

It is no accident that they are known as the Friendly Games.As well as promoting dialogue between nations, the Commonwealth Games pioneered the inclusion of para-sports within each day's events。

毫不意外的，它被稱之為友誼的運動會。英聯(lián)邦運動會不僅僅促進(jìn)國家間的對話交流，也率先在每天的比賽中加入殘疾人競賽項目。

As with the Invictus Games that followed, the courage, determination and talent of the athletes captured our imagination as well as breaking down divisions。

隨著“不可征服運動會”的舉辦，殘疾人運動員們的勇氣、決心與天才抓住了我們的想象，彌合了彼此之間的分歧。

The benefits of reconciliation were clear to see when I visited Belfast in June.While my tour of the set of Game Of Thrones may have gained most attention, my visit to the Crumlin Road Gaol will remain vividly in my mind。

和解的益處也體現(xiàn)在今年六月我對貝爾法斯特的訪問上。我去《權(quán)力的游戲》劇組的探班，受到了很多關(guān)注，對克拉姆林道監(jiān)獄的訪問仍然歷歷在目。

What was once a prison during the Troubles is now a place of hope and fresh purpose;a reminder of what is possible when people reach out to one another, rather like the couple in the sculpture。

當(dāng)年北愛爾蘭沖突期間的監(jiān)獄，如今成為象征希望與新生之地，提醒我們互相關(guān)愛，就像那座雕塑中的夫妻一樣。

Of course, reconciliation takes different forms.In Scotland after the referendum many felt great disappointment, while others felt great relief;and bridging these differences will take time。

當(dāng)然，和解也有著不同的形式。在蘇格蘭獨立公投之后，很多人感到失望，也有很多人感到安心，而彌合這種裂痕需要的是時間。

Bringing reconciliation to war or emergency zones is an even harder task, and I have been deeply touched this year by the selflessness of aid workers and medical volunteers who have gone abroad to help victims of conflict or of diseases like Ebola, often at great personal risk。

為處在戰(zhàn)火中、或者災(zāi)難發(fā)生中的地區(qū)帶來和平，是一項艱難的任務(wù)。今年我被一群人所深深打動，他們就是那些無私的醫(yī)療志愿者們。他們走出國門，幫助那些埃博拉病毒肆虐地區(qū)的災(zāi)民，他們常常冒著巨大的個人風(fēng)險。

For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, whose birth we celebrate today, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life。

對我來說，耶穌基督，“我們和平的君”，我們在今日慶祝他的降生，同樣是對我人生的一次啟示與引導(dǎo)。

A role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, he stretched out his hands in love, acceptance and healing.Christ's example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people, of whatever faith or none。

基督代表著和解與寬恕，他的雙手傳播關(guān)愛，寬容接納，治愈眾生。基督的榜樣教導(dǎo)我，嘗試去尊重所有人，不分信仰。

Sometimes it seems that reconciliation stands little chance in the face of war and discord.But, as the Christmas truce a century ago reminds us, peace and goodwill have lasting power in the hearts of men and women。

盡管有些時候，和解的力量在戰(zhàn)爭與紛亂面前分外渺小，但是一百年前的圣誕休戰(zhàn)提醒著我們，和平與友善長存于我們的心中。

On that chilly Christmas Eve in 1914 many of the German forces sang Silent Night, its haunting melody inching across the line。

1914年的那個寒冷的平安夜里，很多德國士兵唱起了這首《平安夜》，這一盤亙在每個人心頭的旋律穿越了整條戰(zhàn)線。

That carol is still much-loved today, a legacy of the Christmas truce, and a reminder to us all that even in the unlikeliest of places hope can still be found。

今天這首歌仍然備受人們喜愛。它是圣誕休戰(zhàn)的遺產(chǎn)，提醒我們，即使在最不可能的地方，仍然有著希望。

A very happy Christmas to you all。

祝所有人圣誕快樂。

第三篇：2015英國女王圣誕致辭

2015英國女王圣誕致辭

At this time of year, few sights evoke① more feelings of cheer and goodwill② than the twinkling lights③ of a Christmas tree.每年的這個時候，沒有什么風(fēng)景能比圣誕樹上閃爍的燈光更能勾起我愉快和美好的感覺。

The popularity of a tree at Christmas is due④ in part⑤ to my great-great grandparents, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.After this touching⑥ picture was published, many families wanted a Christmas tree of their own, and the custom soon spread⑦.圣誕樹的流行源于我的曾曾祖父母：維多利亞女王和阿爾伯塔親王。當(dāng)這幅觸動人心的畫公布之后，很多家庭都想要個自己的圣誕樹，從此，圣誕樹的風(fēng)俗漸漸擴(kuò)散開來。

In 1949, I spent Christmas in Malta as a newly-married⑧ naval wife.We have returned to that island over the years, including last month for a meeting of

⑨Commonwealth leaders⑩;and this year I met another group of leaders: The Queen's Young Leaders, an inspirational? group, each of them a symbol of hope? in their own Commonwealth communities.1949年，作為一個海軍軍人的新婚妻子，我在“馬耳他”度過了圣誕節(jié)1。后來，我曾多次回到那個島上，上個月，在2015英聯(lián)邦領(lǐng)袖的峰會上，我還剛?cè)ミ^。今年，我還見到了另一群領(lǐng)袖：女王的青年領(lǐng)袖，他們是一群朝氣蓬勃鼓舞人心的群體，每個人都代表他們各【注】自領(lǐng)域的希望2。

【注】____________

注1：當(dāng)年女王還是伊麗莎白公主，丈夫菲利普親王服役英國皇家海軍，部隊當(dāng)時駐扎在馬耳他。注2：今年6月，女王在白金漢宮接見了英國各屆的青年領(lǐng)袖代表。

①evoke：及物動詞，喚起

②goodwill：善意

③twinkling lights：閃爍的燈光

④is due to：由于

⑤in part：部分地

⑥touching：感人的⑦the custom soon spread：這個風(fēng)俗迅速蔓延

⑧a newly-married：新婚不久的⑨a meeting of：一次...的會議

⑩Commonwealth leaders：英聯(lián)邦領(lǐng)袖

?inspirational：鼓舞人心的?a symbol of hope：希望的象征 Gathering round the tree gives us a chance to think about the year aheadin a stable⑩-were far from? ideal, but worse was to come as? the family was forced to flee? the country.It's no surprise that? such a human story still captures our imagination? and continues to ____________ ①procession：列隊行進(jìn)（名詞）

②the people of Oslo：奧斯陸的人們（注意the people of...的用法）

③light bulbs：電燈泡

④people of all faiths：各種信仰的人們

⑤at the very top sits a bright star：倒裝句（very表示“正好”）

⑥the Star of Bethlehem：伯利恒之星（伯利恒--基督耶穌誕生之地，位于約旦河西岸）

⑦top a tree：這里指為圣誕樹掛各種裝飾品（top在這里是動詞）

⑧go back to：追溯到

⑨t(yī)he focus of...is on...：...的核心是關(guān)于...⑩stable：馬廄

?be far from：遠(yuǎn)不是

?worse was to come as...：當(dāng)...，更壞的事來了

?be forced to flee...：被迫離開（flee及物動詞，離開）

?it's no surprise that...：...一點都不令人意外

?capture our imagination：抓住我們的想象（文中翻譯的很好：令我們浮想聯(lián)翩）inspire all of us who are Christians, the world over.對約瑟夫和圣母瑪麗亞來說，耶穌在馬廄里出生時的環(huán)境格外嚴(yán)酷，但比那更糟的是這一家人要被迫背井離鄉(xiāng)。這個人性化的故事至今仍然能讓我們浮想聯(lián)翩，它依然在啟迪著全世界的基督教徒們，一點都不令人意外。

Despite being displaced① and persecuted② throughout his short life, Christ's unchanging message③ was not one of revenge or violence but simply that we should love one another.Although it is not an easy message to follow, we shouldn't be discouraged;rather, it inspires us to try harder: to be thankful for the people who bring love and happiness into our own lives, and to look for ways of④ spreading that love to others, whenever and wherever we can.盡管曾經(jīng)流離失所，并在他短短的一生中慘遭迫害，基督一直向人們傳達(dá)的信息絕對與復(fù)仇或暴力無關(guān)，他只想告訴人們要相互關(guān)愛。盡管這并非易事，但我們不應(yīng)該就此灰心。相反，他們鼓舞我們更加努力，讓我們感恩那些給我們生命中帶來愛與歡樂的人，也讓我們想方設(shè)法把這些愛傳遞給他人，無論何時何地。

One of the joys of living a long life is watching one's children, then grandchildren, then great grandchildren, help⑥ decorate the Christmas tree.And this year my family has a new member to join in the fun!擁有一段漫長人生的樂趣之一就是能看到自己的兒女、孫輩和重孫輩一起來幫忙裝飾圣誕

【注】樹，而今年我的家族又迎來了一個新成員，一起來享受這樣的歡樂時光！⑤The customary decorations have changed little in the years since that picture of Victoria and Albert's tree first appeared, although of course electric lights have replaced the candles.⑦

____________ 注：指小公主的誕生

①being displaced：流離失所，居無定所

②being persecuted：被迫害（指耶穌被處以十字架的極刑）

③unchanging message：矢志不渝的信息

④look for ways of：尋找...的道路

⑤one of the joys of...is...：...的一大樂趣是...⑥watch...do...：看到...做...⑦注意本句中文和英文表述習(xí)慣中“重心”的不同，中文喜歡“雖然...但是”；英文喜歡“但是...雖然...” 盡管當(dāng)年的蠟燭已被現(xiàn)在的電燈所替代，維多利亞女王和阿爾伯塔親王那個時代流傳下的裝飾傳統(tǒng)卻未有很多的改變。

There's an old saying that① 'it is better to light a candle than curse the darkness'.古語云，“與其詛咒黑暗，不如點亮明燭。”

There are millions of people lighting candles of hope② in our world today.Christmas is a good time to③ be thankful for④ them, and for all that brings light to our lives.如今，在我們生活的這個世界，有數(shù)百萬人點亮了希望的蠟燭。圣誕節(jié)是一個感謝他們的絕佳機(jī)會，同時也感謝那些照亮我們生命的人們。

I wish you⑤ a very happy Christmas." 愿大家能擁有一個快樂的圣誕節(jié)。

____________ ①There's an old saying that...：有一句古話說的好，“...”（后面跟上賓語從句即可）

②candles of hope：希望之燭（介詞of在這里表“屬性”）

③...is a good time to...：...是...的好時機(jī)

④be thankful for：對...表示感謝

⑤I wish you+名詞：希望你怎樣；I wish you a success.祝你成功！

第四篇：淺析英國女王圣誕致辭

2012年全國高考模擬參考部分

2010Queen's Christmas message 英國女王圣誕致辭

Get Flash Player Text of the Queen's Christmas message Each year that passes seems to have its own character.Some leave us with a feeling of satisfaction, others are best forgotten.2009 was a difficult year for many, in particular those facing the continuing effects of the economic downturn.I am sure that we have all been affected by events in Afghanistan and saddened by the casualties suffered by our forces serving there.Our thoughts go out to their relations and friends who have shown immense dignity in the face of great personal loss.But, we can be proud of the positive contribution that our servicemen and women are making, in conjunction with our allies.Well over 13,000 soldiers from the United Kingdom, and across the Commonwealthare currently serving in Afghanistan.The debt of gratitude owed to these young men and women, and to their predecessors, is indeed profound.It is 60 years since the Commonwealth was created and today, with more than a billion of its members under the age of 25, the organisation remains a strong and practical force for good.Recently, I attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Trinidad and Tobago and heard how important the Commonwealth is to young people.New communication technologies allow them to reach out to the wider world and share their experiences and viewpoints.For many, the practical assistance and networks of the Commonwealth can give skills, lend advice and encourage enterprise.It is inspiring to learn of some of the work being done by these young people, who bring creativity and innovation to the challenges they face.It is important to keep discussing issues that concern us all-there can be no more valuable role for our family of nations.I have been closely associated with the Commonwealth through most of its existence.The personal and living bond I have enjoyed with leaders, and with people the world over, has always been more important in promoting our unity than symbolism alone.The Commonwealth is not an organisation with a mission.It is rather an opportunity for its people to work together to achieve practical solutions to problems.In many aspects of our lives, whether in sport, the environment, business or culture, the Commonwealth connection remains vivid and enriching.It is, in lots of ways, the face of the future.And with continuing support and dedication, I am confident that this diverse Commonwealth of nations can strengthen the common bond that transcends politics, religion, race and economic circumstances.We know that Christmas is a time for celebration and family reunions;but it is also a time to reflect on what confronts those less fortunate than ourselves, at home and throughout the world.Christians are taught to love their neighbours, having compassion and concern, and being ready to undertake charity and voluntary work to ease the burden of deprivation and disadvantage.We may ourselves be confronted by a bewildering array of difficulties and challenges, but we must never cease to work for a better future for ourselves and for others.I wish you all, wherever you may be, a very happy Christmas.

第五篇：整理精品英國女王圣誕致辭

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2010Queen's Christmas message 英國女王圣誕致辭

Get Flash Player Text of the Queen's Christmas message Each year that passes seems to have its own character.Some leave us with a feeling of satisfaction, others are best forgotten.2009 was a difficult year for many, in particular those facing the continuing effects of the economic downturn.I am sure that we have all been affected by events in Afghanistan and saddened by the casualties suffered by our forces serving there.Our thoughts go out to their relations and friends who have shown immense dignity in the face of great personal loss.But, we can be proud of the positive contribution that our servicemen and women are making, in conjunction with our allies.Well over 13,000 soldiers from the United Kingdom, and across the Commonwealthare currently serving in Afghanistan.The debt of gratitude owed to these young men and women, and to their predecessors, is indeed profound.It is 60 years since the Commonwealth was created and today, with more than a billion of its members under the age of 25, the organisation remains a strong and practical force for good.Recently, I attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Trinidad and Tobago and heard how important the Commonwealth is to young people.New communication technologies allow them to reach out to the wider world and share their experiences and viewpoints.For many, the practical assistance and networks of the Commonwealth can give skills, lend advice and encourage enterprise.It is inspiring to learn of some of the work being done by these young people, who bring creativity and innovation to the challenges they face.It is important to keep discussing issues that concern us all-there can be no more valuable role for our family of nations.I have been closely associated with the Commonwealth through most of its existence.The personal and living bond I have enjoyed with leaders, and with people the world over, has always been more important in promoting our unity than symbolism alone.The Commonwealth is not an organisation with a mission.It is rather an opportunity for its people to work together to achieve practical solutions to problems.In many aspects of our lives, whether in sport, the environment, business or culture, the Commonwealth connection remains vivid and enriching.It is, in lots of ways, the face of the future.And with continuing support and dedication, I am confident that this diverse Commonwealth of nations can strengthen the common bond that transcends politics, religion, race and economic circumstances.We know that Christmas is a time for celebration and family reunions;but it is also a time to reflect on what confronts those less fortunate than ourselves, at home and throughout the world.Christians are taught to love their neighbours, having compassion and concern, and being ready to undertake charity and voluntary work to ease the burden of deprivation and disadvantage.We may ourselves be confronted by a bewildering array of difficulties and challenges, but we must never cease to work for a better future for ourselves and for others.I wish you all, wherever you may be, a very happy Christmas.