第一篇：2003年英國女王圣誕節演講稿

2003年英國女王圣誕節演講稿families and friends, but I know that some of you will not be so lucky.I am sure that most of you will be celebrating Christmas at home in the company of your This year I am speaking to you from the Household Cavalry Barracks in Windsor because I want to draw attention to the many Servicemen and women who are stationed far from home this Christmas.I am thinking about their wives and children, and about their parents and friends.Separation at this time is especially hard to bear.It is not just a matter of separation.The men and women of the Services continue to face serious risks and dangers as they carry out their duties.They have done this brilliantly.I think we all have very good reasons for feeling proud of their achievements-both in war, and as they help to build a lasting peace in troublespots across the globe.None of this can be achieved without paying a price.I know that all our thoughts at this time are with the families who are suffering the pain of bereavement.All those who have recently lost a close relative or friend will know how difficult Christmas can be.These individual Servicemen and women are our neighbours and come from our own towns and villages;from every part of the country and from every background.The process of training within the Navy, the Army and the Air Force has moulded them together into disciplined teams.They have learnt to take responsibility and to exercise judgement and restraint in situations of acute stress and danger.They have brought great credit to themselves and to our country as a whole.I had an opportunity recently at the Barracks to meet some of those who played their part with such distinction in the Iraq operations.I was left with a deep sense of respect and admiration for their steadfast loyalty to each other and to our nation.I believe there is a lesson for us all here.It is that each of us can achieve much more if we work together as members of a team.The Founder of the Christian Faith himself chose twelve disciples to help him in his ministry.I was reminded of the importance of teamwork as I presented, for the first time last summer, The Queen's Awards for Voluntary Service by groups within the community.I have been struck by how often people say to me that they are receiving their award on behalf of a team and that they do not deserve to be singled out.This annual award recognises the team rather than the individual.In this country and throughout the Commonwealth there are groups of people who are giving their time generously to make a difference to the lives of others.As we think of them, and of our Servicemen and women far from home at this Christmas time, I hope we all, whatever our faith, can draw inspiration from the words of the familiar prayer: “Teach us good Lord To serve thee as thou deservest;To give, and not to count the cost;To fight, and not to heed the wounds;To toil, and not to seek for rest;To labour, and not to ask for any reward;Save that of knowing that we do thy will.” It is this knowledge which will help us all to enjoy the Festival of Christmas.A happy Christmas to you all.

第二篇：英國女王發表圣誕節講話

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.過去每年似乎都各具特點。一些年份讓我們心滿意足，一些年份則最好忘卻。2009年對很多人來說都不好過，尤其是那些深受經濟衰退之苦的人們。

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.我相信，我們所有人都受到阿富汗戰事影響，為英軍士兵傷亡感到悲傷。我們向這些士兵的家人和朋友表示慰問，他們面對巨大個人損失表現得無比高尚。

But, we can be proud of the positive contribution that our servicemen and women are making, in conjunction with our allies.但我們應該為我們的士兵與盟友作出的積極貢獻而感到驕傲。

Well over 13,000 soldiers from the United Kingdom, and across the Commonwealthare currently serving in Afghanistan.英國和包括加拿大、澳大利亞、新西蘭和新加坡在內的英聯邦國家眼下共有超過1.3萬名士兵在阿富汗服役。

The debt of gratitude owed to these young men and women, and to their predecessors, is indeed profound.我們對這些年輕士兵以及先前在阿富汗服役過的士兵表示深深感激。

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.今年是英聯邦成立60周年，今天其成員國25歲以下人口超過10億，為它保持長久的強大和實用提供了力量源泉。

Recently I attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Trinidad and Tobago and heard how important the Commonwealth is to young people.最近我剛剛參加了在特立尼達和多巴哥舉行的英聯邦政府首腦會議，聽到聯邦對年輕人是多么重要。

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.新的通信技術使他們能夠接觸到更廣闊的世界，分享他們的經驗和觀點。對于許多人來說，英聯邦的實際援助與網絡可以提供技能，給予意見和鼓勵進取。

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.令人鼓舞的是，我了解到一些年輕人正在做著一些事情，他們面對挑戰，富于創造力和創新精神。

It is important to keep discussing issues that concern us all-there can by no more valuable role for our family of nations.I have been closely associated with the Commonwealth through most of its existence.對關系到我們所有人的問題保持討論很重要，它讓我們的大家庭產生更大的價值。在英聯邦成立以來的大部分時間里，我都同它聯系緊密。

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.我個人同各國領袖、人民密不可分。這不單是象征意義，也能促進我們的團結。

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.英聯邦并非一個具某種使命的組織，而更是一個讓各國人民合作、解決困難的平臺。

In many aspects of our lives, whether in sport, the environment, business or culture, the Commonwealth connection remains vivid and enriching.在涉及我們生活的許多方面，不論是體育、環境、商業或文化，英聯邦國家之間的聯系緊密而豐富。

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.在很多方面這展現未來的前景。隨著不斷的支持和貢獻，我相信英聯邦國家的多元化能加強各國在政治、宗教、種族和經濟環境的凝聚力。

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.眾所周知，圣誕節是歡慶與家人團聚的時候，但我們也可以借這個時機回顧那些國內外不幸者面臨的困境。

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.基督徒被教導要愛他們的鄰居，有同情心，樂于慈善和志愿工作，以減輕貧困和不利的負擔。

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.我們自己會面臨一連串的困難和挑戰，這些困難和挑戰會令我們感到困惑，但我們絕不能停下腳步。而應該繼續努力，為自己和他人創造更美好的未來。

I wish you all, wherever you may be, a very happy Christmas.不論你們現時身在何處，我都祝愿你們圣誕快樂。

第三篇：英國女王2010圣誕節致辭中英文

英國女王2010圣誕節講話

Over 400 years ago King James VI of Scotland inherited the throne of England at a time when the Christian church was deeply divided.超過400年前，蘇格蘭國王詹姆斯六世繼承了英國王位，當基督教教會了深刻的一次。

Here at Hampton Court in 1604, he convened a conference of churchmen of all shades of opinion to discuss the future of Christianity in this country.在這里，在漢普頓法院于1604年，他召開了一個會議，討論在這個國家未來的基督教牧師的各種意見。

The king agreed to commission a new translation of the bible that was acceptable to all parties.國王同意委托一個新的翻譯“圣經”，這是各方都能接受的。

This was to become the King James, or Authorized, Bible, which next year will be exactly four centuries old.這是成為國王詹姆斯或授權，圣經，明年將是整整四個世紀的歷史。

Acknowledged as a masterpiece of English prose and the most vivid translation of the scriptures, the glorious language of this bible has survived the turbulence of history and given many of us the most widely recognised and beautiful descriptions of the birth of Jesus Christ which we celebrate today.英語散文和最生動的翻譯的經文是公認的杰作，這本圣經的光榮語言歷史的動蕩中幸存下來，并給予我們很多最廣泛的認可和美麗的描述，我們慶祝耶穌基督誕生的今天。

The King James Bible was a major co-operative endeavour that required the efforts of dozens of the day's leading scholars.國王詹姆斯圣經是一個重要的合作努力，需要一天的幾十個知名學者的努力。

The whole enterprise was guided by an interest in reaching agreement for the wider benefit of the Christian church, and to bring harmony to the kingdoms of England and Scotland.指導整個企業的利益達成一致的基督教教堂的更廣泛的利益，并把英格蘭和蘇格蘭王國的和諧。

Four hundred years later, it is as important as ever to build communities and create harmony, and one of the most powerful ways of doing this is through sport and games.四百年后，它是和以前一樣重要，社區建設，創建和諧，這樣做的最有力的方法之一是通過體育和游戲。

During this past year of abundant sporting events, I have seen for myself just how important sport is in bringing people together from all backgrounds, from all walks of life and from all age groups.在過去一年中的豐富的體育賽事，我看到自己是多么的重要運動是匯聚了來自各種不同背景，來自社會各階層，各年齡組的。

In the parks of towns and cities, and on village greens up and down the country, countless thousands of people every week give up their time to participate in sport and exercise of all sorts, or simply encourage others to do so.在城鎮和城市的公園，公共綠地和全國上下，無數的人每星期給自己的時間參加各種運動和鍛煉，或簡單地鼓勵他人這樣做。

These kinds of activity are common throughout the world and play a part in providing a different perspective on life.這些是常見的世界各地的各種活動，并提供不同的角度對生活的一部分

Apart from developing physical fitness, sport and games can also teach vital social skills.除了來自發展中國家的身體素質，運動和游戲，也可以教重要的社會技能。

None can be enjoyed without abiding by the rules, and no team can hope to succeed without co-operation between the players.This sort of positive team spirit can benefit communities, companies and enterprises of all kinds.沒有人可享有不遵守的規則，沒有哪支球隊希望球員之間的合作沒有成功。這種積極的團隊合作精神，有利于各種社區，公司和企業。

As the success of recent Paralympics bears witness, a love of sport also has the power to help rehabilitate.由于近期殘奧會見證，對運動的熱愛，也有成功的力量來幫助恢復。

One only has to think of the injured men and women of the Armed Forces to see how an interest in games and sport can speed recovery and renew a sense of purpose, enjoyment and comradeship.我們認為受傷的男人和女人的武裝部隊，看看如何在游戲和運動的興趣，可以加快恢復和更新的目的，享受和友好情誼感。

Right around the world, people gather to compete under standard rules and, in most cases, in a spirit of friendly rivalry.Competitors know that, to succeed, they must respect their opponents;very often, they like each other too.右鍵在世界各地，人們聚集標準規則下競爭，在大多數情況下，在友好競爭的精神。競爭對手知道，要成功，就必須尊重他們的對手，很多時候，他們也喜歡對方。

Sportsmen and women often speak of the enormous pride they have in representing their country, a sense of belonging to a wider family.男女運動員常說的巨大的驕傲，他們在代表自己的國家，從某種意義上說，屬于一個更廣泛的家庭。

We see this vividly at the Commonwealth Games, for example, which is known to many as the Friendly Games and where I am sure you have noticed that it is always the competitors from the smallest countries who receive the loudest cheers.我們認為，這生動地舉行的英聯邦運動會，例如，這是眾所周知的友好運動會，我相信你已經注意到了，它始終是競爭對手誰最響亮的歡呼聲從最小的國家。

People are capable of belonging to many communities, including a religious faith.King James may not have anticipated quite how important sport and games were to become in promoting harmony and common interests.人是能夠屬于許多社區，包括宗教的信仰。國王詹姆斯可能沒有預計到重要的運動和游戲是怎樣成為促進社會和諧和共同利益。

But from the scriptures in the bible which bears his name, we know that nothing is more satisfying than the feeling of belonging to a group who are dedicated to helping each other:

但是，從他的名字命名的圣經經文中，我們知道，沒有什么比屬于一個致力于互相幫助的感覺是更令人滿意的：

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.所以無論何事，你們愿意人應該做的，你不要你們即使如此他們。

I wish you, and all those whom you love and care for, a very happy Christmas.我希望你，和所有那些你愛和關懷，一個非常快樂的圣誕節。

第四篇：英國女王演講稿

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons，I am most grateful for your Loyal Addresses and the generous words of the Lord Speaker and Mr.Speaker.This great institution has been at the heart of the country and the lives of our people throughout its history.As Parliamentarians, you share with your forebears a fundamental role in the laws and decisions of your own age.Parliament has survived as an unshakeable cornerstone of our constitution and our way of life.History links monarchs and Parliament, a connecting thread from one period to the next.So, in an era when the regular, worthy rhythm of life is less eye-catching than doing something extraordinary, I am reassured that I am merely the second Sovereign to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee.As today, it was my privilege to address you during my Silver and Golden Jubilees.Many of you were present ten years ago and some of you will recall the occasion in 1977.Since my Accession, I have been a regular visitor to the Palace of Westminster and, at the last count, have had the pleasurable duty of treating with twelve Prime Ministers.Over such a period, one can observe that the experience of venerable old age can be a mighty guide but not a prerequisite for success in public office.I am therefore very pleased to be addressing many younger Parliamentarians and also those bringing such a wide range of background and experience to your vital, national work.During these years as your Queen, the support of my family has, across the generations, been beyond measure.Prince Philip is, I believe, well-known for declining compliments of any kind.But throughout he has been a constant strength and guide.He and I are very proud and grateful that The Prince of Wales and other members of our family are travelling on my behalf in this Diamond Jubilee year to visit all the Commonwealth Realms and a number of other Commonwealth countries.These overseas tours are a reminder of our close affinity with the Commonwealth, encompassing about one-third of the world’s population.My own association with the Commonwealth has taught me that the most important contact between nations is usually contact between its peoples.An organisation dedicated to certain values, the Commonwealth has flourished and grown by successfully promoting and protecting that contact.At home, Prince Philip and I will be visiting towns and cities up and down the land.It is my sincere hope that the Diamond Jubilee will be an opportunity for people to come together in a spirit of neighbourliness and celebration of their own communities.We also hope to celebrate the professional and voluntary service given by millions of people across the country who are working for the public good.They are a source of vital support to the welfare and wellbeing of others, often unseen or overlooked.And as we reflect upon public service, let us again be mindful of the remarkable sacrifice and courage of our Armed Forces.Much may indeed have changed these past sixty years but the valour of those who risk their lives for the defence and freedom of us all remains undimmed.The happy relationship I have enjoyed with Parliament has extended well beyond the more than three and a half thousand Bills I have signed into law.I am therefore very touched by the magnificent gift before me, generously subscribed by many of you.Should this beautiful window cause just a little extra colour to shine down upon this ancient place, I should gladly settle for that.We are reminded here of our past, of the continuity of our national story and the virtues of resilience, ingenuity and tolerance which created it.I have been privileged to witness some of that history and, with the support of my family, rededicate myself to the service of our great country and its people now and in the years to come.本篇文章來源于愛英語吧_英語學習網站(http://

第五篇：英國女王演講稿

英國女王登基60周年演講稿

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, I am most grateful for your Loyal Addresses and the generous words of the Lord Speaker and Mr.Speaker.This great institution has been at the heart of the country and the lives of our people throughout its history.As Parliamentarians, you share with your forebears a fundamental role in the laws and decisions of your own age.Parliament has survived as an unshakable cornerstone of our constitution and our way of life.History links monarchs and Parliament, a connecting thread from one period to the next.So, in an era when the regular, worthy rhythm of life is less eye-catching than doing something extraordinary, I am reassured that I am merely the second Sovereign to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee.As today, it was my privilege to address you during my Silver and Golden Jubilees.Many of you were present ten years ago and some of you will recall the occasion in 1977.Since my Accession, I have been a regular visitor to the Palace of Westminster and, at the last count, have had the pleasurable duty of treating with twelve Prime Ministers.Over such a period, one can observe that the experience of venerable old age can be a mighty guide but not a prerequisite for success in public office.I am therefore very pleased to be addressing many younger Parliamentarians and also those bringing such a wide range of background and experience to your vital, national work.During these years as your Queen, the support of my family has, across the generations, been beyond measure.Prince Philip is, I believe, well-known for declining compliments of any kind.But throughout he has been a constant strength and guide.He and I are very proud and grateful that The Prince of Wales and other members of our family are travelling on my behalf in this Diamond Jubilee year to visit all the Commonwealth Realms and a number of other Commonwealth countries.These overseas tours are a reminder of our close affinity with the Commonwealth, encompassing about one-third of the world’s population.My own association with the Commonwealth has taught me that the most important contact between nations is usually contact between its peoples.An organization dedicated to certain values, the Commonwealth has flourished and grown by successfully promoting and protecting that contact.At home, Prince Philip and I will be visiting towns and cities up and down the land.It is my sincere hope that the Diamond Jubilee will be an opportunity for people to come together in a spirit of neighborliness and celebration of their own communities.We also hope to celebrate the professional and voluntary service given by millions of people across the country who are working for the public good.They are a source of vital support to the welfare and well being of others, often unseen or overlooked.And as we reflect upon public service, let us again be mindful of the remarkable sacrifice and courage of our Armed Forces.Much may indeed have changed these past sixty years but the value of those who risk their lives for the defense and freedom of us all remains undimmed.The happy relationship I have enjoyed with Parliament has extended well beyond the more than three and a half thousand Bills I have signed into law.I am therefore very touched by the magnificent gift before me, generously subscribed by many of you.Should this beautiful window cause just a little extra color to shine down upon this ancient place, I should gladly settle for that.We are reminded here of our past, of the continuity of our national story and the virtues of resilience, ingenuity and tolerance which created it.I have been privileged to witness some of that history and, with the support of my family, rededicate myself to the service of our great country and its people now and in the years to come.2012年女王演講稿 This past year has been one of great celebration for many.The enthusiasm which greeted the Diamond Jubilee was, of course, especially memorable for me and my family.It was humbling that so many chose to mark the anniversary of a duty which passed to me 60 years ago.People of all ages took the trouble to take part in various ways and in many nations.But perhaps most striking of all was to witness the strength of fellowship and friendship among those who had gathered together on these occasions.Prince Philip and I were joined by our family on the River Thames as we paid tribute to those who have shaped the United Kingdom's past and future as a maritime nation, and welcomed a wonderful array of craft, large and small, from across the Commonwealth.On the barges and the bridges and the banks of the river there were people who had taken their places to cheer through the mist, undaunted by the rain.That day there was a tremendous sense of common determination to celebrate, triumphing over the elements.That same spirit was also in evidence from the moment the Olympic flame arrived on these shores.The flame itself drew hundreds and thousands of people on its journey around the British Isles, and was carried by every kind of deserving individual, many nominated for their own extraordinary service.As London hosted a splendid summer of sport, all those who saw the achievement and courage at the Olympic and Paralympic Games were further inspired by the skill, dedication, training and teamwork of our athletes.In pursuing their own sporting goals, they gave the rest of us the opportunity to share something of the excitement and drama.We were reminded, too, that the success of these great festivals depended to an enormous degree upon the dedication and effort of an army of volunteers.Those public-spirited people came forward in the great tradition of all those who devote themselves to keeping others safe, supported and comforted.For many, Christmas is also a time for coming together.But for others, service will come first.Those serving in our armed forces, in our emergency services and in our hospitals, whose sense of duty takes them away from family and friends, will be missing those they love.And those who have lost loved ones may find this day especially full of memories.That's why it's important at this time of year to reach out beyond our familiar relationships to think of those who are on their own.At Christmas I am always struck by how the spirit of togetherness lies also at the heart of the Christmas story.A young mother and a dutiful father with their baby were joined by poor shepherds and visitors from afar.They came with their gifts to worship the Christ child.From that day on he has inspired people to commit themselves to the best interests of others.This is the time of year when we remember that God sent his only son 'to serve, not to be served'.He restored love and service to the centre of our lives in the person of Jesus Christ.It is my prayer this Christmas Day that His example and teaching will continue to bring people together to give the best of themselves in the service of others.The carol, In The Bleak Midwinter, ends by asking a question of all of us who know the Christmas story, of how God gave himself to us in humble service: 'What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;if I were a wise man, I would do my part'.The carol gives the answer 'Yet what I can I give him-give my heart'.I wish you all a very happy Christmas.2013年女王演講稿 I once knew someone who spent a year in a plaster cast recovering from an operation on his back.He read a lot, and thought a lot, and felt miserable.Later, he realized this time of forced retreat from the world had helped him to understand the world more clearly.We all need to get the balance right between action and reflection.With so many distractions, it is easy to forget to pause and take stock.Be it through contemplation, prayer, or even keeping a diary, many have found the practice of quiet personal reflection surprisingly rewarding, even discovering greater spiritual depth to their lives.Reflection can take many forms.When families and friends come together at Christmas, it's often a time for happy memories and reminiscing.Our thoughts are with those we have loved who are no longer with us.We also remember those who through doing their duty cannot be at home for Christmas, such as workers in essential or emergency services.And especially at this time of year we think of the men and women serving overseas in our armed forces.We are forever grateful to all those who put themselves at risk to keep us safe.Service and duty are not just the guiding principles of yesteryear;they have an enduring value which spans the generations.I myself had cause to reflect this year, at Westminster Abbey, on my own pledge of service made in that great church on Coronation Day 60 years earlier.The anniversary reminded me of the remarkable changes that have occurred since the Coronation, many of them for the better;and of the things that have remained constant, such as the importance of family, friendship and good neighborliness.But reflection is not just about looking back.I and many others are looking forward to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next year.The baton relay left London in October and is now the other side of the world, on its way across 70 nations and territories before arriving in Scotland next summer.Its journey is a reminder that the Commonwealth can offer us a fresh view of life.My son Charles summed this up at the recent meeting in Sri Lanka.He spoke of the Commonwealth's 'family ties' that are a source of encouragement to many.Like any family there can be differences of opinion.But however strongly they're expressed they are held within the common bond of friendship and shared experiences.Here at home my own family is a little larger this Christmas.As so many of you will know, the arrival of a baby gives everyone the chance to contemplate the future with renewed happiness and hope.For the new parents, life will never be quite the same again.As with all who are christened, George was baptized into a joyful faith of Christian duty and service.After the christening, we gathered for the traditional photograph.It was a happy occasion, bringing together four generations.In the year ahead, I hope you will have time to pause for moments of quiet reflection.As the man in the plaster cast discovered, the results can sometimes be surprising.For Christians, as for all people of faith, reflection, meditation and prayer help us to renew ourselves in God's love, as we strive daily to become better people.The Christmas message shows us that this love is for everyone.There is no one beyond its reach.On the first Christmas, in the fields above Bethlehem, as they sat in the cold of night watching their resting sheep, the local shepherds must have had no shortage of time for reflection.Suddenly all this was to change.These humble shepherds were the first to hear and ponder the wondrous news of the birth of Christ – the first noel – the joy of which we celebrate today.I wish you all a very happy Christmas.2014年女王演講稿

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.Casts of the same sculpture can be found in Belfast and Berlin, and it is simply called Reconciliation.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.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.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.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.But, as we know, something remarkable did happen that Christmas, exactly a hundred years ago today.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.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.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.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.As with the Invictus Games that followed, the courage, determination and talent of the athletes captured our imagination as well as breaking down divisions.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.On that chilly Christmas Eve in 1914 many of the German forces sang Silent Night, its haunting melody inching across the line.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.A very happy Christmas to you all.