第一篇：2013英女王圣誕講話

2013年英女王的圣誕講話

英女王的圣誕講話，一般每年都由她自己撰寫，并且英國政府無權干涉或是修改。她總是娓娓道來，如話家常，并且又顧及方方面面。女王的典雅與縝密由此可見一斑。以下為2013年圣誕的講話全文，包括英文原文及中文譯文。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.我曾認識那么一個人，他因為后背手術，打著石膏等待康復，這樣度過了整整一年的時間。這一年的時間，他讀了很多書，思考了很多，也感到很痛苦。

Later, he realised this time of forced retreat from the world had helped him to understand the world more clearly.但是后來，他意識到那段被迫從世界抽離的日子卻令他能把這個世界看的更清楚。

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.我們所有人都需要在行動和反思中找到平衡，世界煩囂，我們很容易就忘了我們需要停下腳步來反思一下自己。

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.通過冥想，祈禱甚至寫日記，很多人發現安靜的個人反 思可以有驚人的收獲，甚至可以在生活中探尋到自己的心靈更深處。

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.反思可以有很多種形式。家人和朋友在圣誕節時相 聚，往往會帶來快樂美好的回憶。我們的思緒會飄向那些我們深愛卻已經不在我們身邊的人。我們也會想起那些因為工作和責任無法回家和家人團聚的人，比如那些 奮戰在重要和緊急服務崗位上的工作人員。

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.今年，我們應該特別要想一想那些在海外服役的姑娘和小伙們。對于他們冒著生命危險保護我們的安全，我們要永遠心存感激。

Service and duty are not just the guiding principles of yesteryear;they have an enduring value which spans the generations.服務與責任不只是昔日的一種指導原則，而是永遠傳承的一種永恒價值。

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 sixty years earlier.今年，我自己也有機會在威斯敏斯特教堂反思，就在那 個神圣的教堂，60年前，我加冕并許下了服務的承諾。

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 neighbourliness.60周年紀念讓我意識到自加冕后一些翻天覆地的變化，有些變得更好，有些卻從未改變，如家庭的重要性、友誼以及睦鄰友好。

But reflection is not just about looking back.I and many others are looking forward to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next year.但反思也不只是回顧過去。我和許多人都還在期待著明 年在格拉斯哥的英聯邦運動會。

The baton relay left London in October and is now the other side of the world, on its way across seventy 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.英聯邦運動會的接力棒10月離開倫敦，現在已經到達世 界的另一邊，它將跨越70個英聯邦國家和地區于明年夏天到達蘇格蘭。這段旅程提醒我們：英聯邦將帶來嶄新的生活。

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.我的兒子査爾斯最近在斯里蘭卡的一次會議上做過一番總結。他提到英聯邦國家之間有一種“家庭的紐帶”。這真是莫大的鼓舞。就像所有的家庭一樣，我們會有不同的想法和爭議，但是至少我們之間有很牢固的友誼和共同的經歷。

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.今年我們家也新添了家庭成員。你們知道的，新生兒的出生讓我們所有人都有機會帶著全新的幸福和希望思量和展望未來。對新爸爸和新媽媽來說，生活也發生了天翻地覆的改變。

As with all who are christened, George was baptised 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.跟很多人一樣，小喬治已受洗成 一名基督徒。受洗之后，我們一起拍了全家福。這是特別值得高興的時刻，我們四代同堂。

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.在未來的一年里，我希望大家都有時間駐足安靜地反思 一下，就像那個打石膏的人一樣，反思的結果有時可能令你驚訝。

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.對基督徒來說，所有人的信仰，反思，冥想和祈禱讓我們在神 的關愛下不停的完善自我，我們每天都在努力成為一 個更棒的人。圣誕節帶給我們的訊息就是：愛是給予每個人的，沒有人會漏下。

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 Christthe joy of which we celebrate today.第一個圣誕節，寒冷的冬夜，牧羊人在在伯利恒（耶穌誕生地)的荒野中，看著那些休息的羊，他們一定不缺時間反思。突然一切都改變了，這群卑微的牧羊人成為了第一個聽到并且思量耶穌誕生的驚天新聞的人。這第一個圣誕節，也是我們今日歡慶的來源。

I wish you all a very happy Christmas.祝大家圣誕快樂。

第二篇：英女王2015圣誕致辭

一年一度最美英音：英女王2015圣誕致辭

一年一度最美的英音又來了！女王2015圣誕演講來襲！

每年圣誕節發布電視演講是女王的傳統……

在講話里，她用最適中的語速，最皇室范的英音對全世界闡述自己對今年世界大事的見解。通常，一般皇室講話的講稿都要政府審查通過，唯獨女王的圣誕講話不用經過政府，一般都是女王親自動筆寫，女王自己的文風也很贊是不是！今年女王提到了小公主，提到了法國的恐怖襲擊，提到了二戰勝利70周年，還有她對來年的祝福…… 大家打開視頻播放…看著下面的雙語全文…學習全世界最美的英音教材~ 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。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邦領導人會議。今年我會晤了另一批領導人，“女王青年領袖”是一個鼓舞人心的團體，每個人都是各自英聯邦社區的希望。

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。

譯者注：2016年是伊麗莎白女王九十歲生日，屆時多場慶祝活動。

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離和已經離開我們的人。很多人說失去平生所愛后的第一個圣誕節是最艱難的，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.今年夏天紀念二戰結束七十周年是一件值得感恩的事。在對日作戰勝利日，我們給在遠東那場可怕戰役中的在世老兵們授勛，緬懷數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.從騎兵衛隊場到威斯敏斯特宮的隊伍大抵是行進最慢的一次，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.戰爭結束后，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》中記載的一顆奇特天體。據說，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，又忽然出現在前方，引領他們來到耶穌降生之處。后世科學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，提醒我們圣誕節紀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，這樣的環境遠非理想，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，可他一如既往倡導的不是復仇和暴力，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倫。

Albert's tree first appeared, although of course electric lights have replaced the candles.自維多利亞和阿爾伯特的圣誕樹出現以來，傳統的圣誕裝飾變化甚微，當然，電燈取代了蠟燭。There's an old saying that “it is better to light a candle than curse the darkness”.老話說，“點燃燭火勝過咒罵黑暗”。

There are millions of people lighting candles of hope in our world today.今天，我們的世界，成百上千萬的人點燃希望的燭火。

Christmas is a good time to be thankful for them, and for all that brings light to our lives.值此圣誕佳節，向他們表示感謝，對所有給我們生活帶來光明的人表示感謝。I wish you a very happy Christmas.愿諸君圣誕快樂。

ppeared, although of course electric lights have replaced the candles.自維多利亞和阿爾伯特的圣誕樹出現以來，傳統的圣誕裝飾變化甚微，當然，電燈取代了蠟燭。There's an old saying that “it is better to light a candle than curse the darkness”.老話說，“點燃燭火勝過咒罵黑暗”。

There are millions of people lighting candles of hope in our world today.今天，我們的世界，成百上千萬的人點燃希望的燭火。

Christmas is a good time to be thankful for them, and for all that brings light to our lives.值此圣誕佳節，向他們表示感謝，對所有給我們生活帶來光明的人表示感謝。I wish you a very happy Christmas.愿諸君圣誕快樂。

第三篇：英女王圣誕致辭

Christmas Broadcast 2002 In 2002 The Queen celebrated her Golden Jubilee(50 years as Queen).She also lost her mother and sister within a few weeks of each other.The Queen's Christmas Broadcast in 2002 reflected on the celebrations which had taken place around the UK and Commonwealth, and looked forward to the challenges of the future.As I look back over these past twelve months, I know that it has been about as full a year as I can remember.But Christmas itself still remains a time for reflection and a focus of hope for the future.All great religions have such times of renewal, moments to take stock before moving on to face the challenges which lie ahead.Many of you will know only too well from your own experience, the grief that follows the death of a much loved mother or sister.Mine were very much part of my life and always gave me their support and encouragement.But my own sadness was tempered by the generous tributes that so many of you paid to the service they gave to this country and the wider Commonwealth.At such a difficult time this gave me great comfort and inspiration as I faced up both to my own personal loss and to the busy Jubilee summer ahead.Anniversaries are important events in all our lives.Christmas is the anniversary of the birth of Christ over two thousand years ago, but it is much more than that.It is the celebration of the birth of an idea and an ideal.In a different way I felt that the Golden Jubilee was more than just an anniversary.The celebrations were joyous occasions, but they also seemed to evoke something more lasting and profoundtheir leadership and example, their achievements in science, the arts and many other fields.These celebrations also gave opportunities to recognise the valuable work undertaken by so many people in service of their communities.It was a time to remind ourselves, as the Christmas story does every year, that we must never forget the plight of the disadvantaged and excluded, that we must respond to the needs of those who may be in distress or despair.Our modern world places such heavy demands on our time and attention that the need to remember our responsibilities to others is greater than ever.It is often difficult to keep this sense of perspective through the ups and downs of everyday lifeboth 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.Christmas Broadcast 2007 The Queen's Christmas Broadcast of 2007 focused on supporting the disadvantaged as well as family members at Christmas.One of the features of growing old is a heightened awareness of change.To remember what happened 50 years ago means that it is possible to appreciate what has changed in the meantime.It also makes you aware of what has remained constant.In my experience, the positive value of a happy family is one of the factors of human existence that has not changed.The immediate family of grandparents, parents and children, together with their extended family, is still the core of a thriving community.When Prince Philip and I celebrated our Diamond Wedding last month, we were much aware of the affection and support of our own family as they gathered round us for the occasion.Now today, of course, marks the birth of Jesus Christ.Among other things, it is a reminder that it is the story of a family;but of a family in very distressed circumstances.Mary and Joseph found no room at the inn;they had to make do in a stable, and the new-born Jesus had to be laid in a manger.This was a family which had been shut out.Perhaps it was because of this early experience that, throughout his ministry, Jesus of Nazareth reached out and made friends with people whom others ignored or despised.It was in this way that he proclaimed his belief that, in the end, we are all brothers and sisters in one human family.The Christmas story also draws attention to all those people who are on the edge of societyCanada, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore-are currently serving in Afghanistan.The debt of gratitude owed to these young men and women, and to their predecessors, is indeed profound.It is sixty 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.Christmas Broadcast 2010

Over four hundred years ago, King James the Sixth of Scotland inherited the throne of England at a time when the Christian Church was deeply divided.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.The King agreed to commission a new translation of the Bible that was acceptable to all parties.This was to become the King James or Authorized Bible, which next year will be exactly four centuries old.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.The King James Bible was a major cooperative endeavour that required the efforts of dozens of the day’s leading scholars.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.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.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.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.These kinds of activity are common throughout the world and play a part in providing a different perspective on life.Apart from developing physical fitness, sport and games can also teach vital social skills.None can be enjoyed without abiding by the rules, and no team can hope to succeed without cooperation between the players.This sort of positive team spirit can benefit communities, companies and enterprises of all kinds.As the success of recent Paralympics bears witness, a love of sport also has the power to help rehabilitate.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.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.Sportsmen and women often speak of the enormous pride they have in representing their country, a sense of belonging to a wider family.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.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.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:

‘Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should to do to you, do ye even so to them’.I wish you, and all those whom you love and care for, a very happy Christmas.

第四篇：英女王2015圣誕致辭(英語版)

英女王2015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.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.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.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.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.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”.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.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.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.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.For Joseph and Mary, the circumstances of Jesus' 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.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.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.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.The 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.There's an old saying that “it is better to light a candle than curse the darkness”.There are millions of people lighting candles of hope in our world today.Christmas is a good time to be thankful for them, and for all that brings light to our lives.I wish you a very happy Christmas!

第五篇：英女王2013年圣誕致辭

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 neighbourliness.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 on 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.