第一篇：英國女王2015年議會致辭

My Lords and members of the House of Commons。

My government will legislate in the interests of everyone in our country.It will adopt a one nation approach, helping working people get on, supporting aspiration, giving new opportunities to the most disadvantaged and bringing different parts of our country together。

My government will continue with its long-term plan to provide economic stability and security at every stage of life.They will continue the work of bringing the public finances under control and reducing the deficit, so Britain lives within its means.Measures will be introduced to raise the productive potential of the economy and increase living standards。

Legislation will be brought forward to help achieve full employment and provide more people with the security of a job.New duties will require my ministers to report annually on job creation and apprenticeships.Measures will also be introduced to reduce regulation on small businesses so they can create jobs。

Legislation will be brought forward to ensure people working 30 hours a week on the National Minimum Wage do not pay income tax, and to ensure there are no rises in Income Tax rates, Value Added Tax or National Insurance for the next 5 years。

Measures will be brought forward to help working people by greatly increasing the provision of free childcare。

Legislation will be introduced to support home ownership and give housing association tenants the chance to own their own home。

Measures will be introduced to increase energy security and to control immigration.My government will bring forward legislation to reform trade unions and to protect essential public services against strikes。

To give new opportunities to the most disadvantaged, my government will expand the Troubled Families programme and continue to reform welfare, with legislation encouraging employment by capping benefits and requiring young people to earn or learn。

Legislation will be brought forward to improve schools and give every child the best start in life, with new powers to take over failing and coasting schools and create more academies。

In England, my government will secure the future of the National Health Service by implementing the National Health Service’s own 5 year plan, by increasing the health budget, integrating healthcare and social care, and ensuring the National Health Service works on a 7 day basis.Measures will be introduced to improve access to general practitioners and to mental healthcare。

Measures will also be brought forward to secure the real value of the basic State Pension, so that more people live in dignity and security in retirement.Measures will be brought forward to increase the rights of victims of crime。

To bring different parts of our country together, my government will work to bring about a balanced economic recovery.Legislation will be introduced to provide for the devolution of powers to cities with elected metro mayors, helping to build a northern powerhouse。

My government will continue to legislate for high-speed rail links between the different parts of the country。

My government will also bring forward legislation to secure a strong and lasting constitutional settlement, devolving wide-ranging powers to Scotland and Wales.Legislation will be taken forward giving effect to the Stormont House Agreement in Northern Ireland。

My government will continue to work in cooperation with the devolved administrations on the basis of mutual respect。

My government will bring forward changes to the standing orders of the House of Commons.These changes will create fairer procedures to ensure that decisions affecting England, or England and Wales, can be taken only with the consent of the majority of Members of Parliament representing constituencies in those parts of our United Kingdom。

My government will renegotiate the United Kingdom’s relationship with the European Union and pursue reform of the European Union for the benefit of all member states。

Alongside this, early legislation will be introduced to provide for an in-out referendum on membership of the European Union before the end of 2017.Measures will also be brought forward to promote social cohesion and protect people by tackling extremism.New legislation will modernise the law on communications data, improve the law on policing and criminal justice, and ban the new generation of psychoactive drugs。

My government will bring forward proposals for a British Bill of Rights。

Members of the House of Commons。

Estimates for the public services will be laid before you。

My Lords and members of the House of Commons

My government will continue to play a leading role in global affairs, using its presence all over the world to re-engage with and tackle the major international security, economic and humanitarian challenges。

My ministers will remain at the forefront of the NATO alliance and of international efforts to degrade and ultimately defeat terrorism in the Middle East。

The United Kingdom will continue to seek a political settlement in Syria, and will offer further support to the Iraqi government’s programme for political reform and national reconciliation。

My government will maintain pressure on Russia to respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, and will insist on the full implementation of the Minsk agreements。

My government looks forward to an enhanced partnership with India and China。

Prince Philip and I look forward to our state visit to Germany next month and to our state visit to Malta in November, alongside the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.We also look forward to welcoming His Excellency the President of The People’s Republic of China and Madame Peng on a state visit in October。

My government will seek effective global collaboration to sustain economic recovery and to combat climate change, including at the climate change conference in Paris later this year。

My government will undertake a full strategic defence and security review, and do whatever is necessary to ensure that our courageous armed forces can keep Britain safe。

My government will work to reduce the threat from nuclear weapons, cyber attacks and terrorism。

Other measures will be laid before you。

My Lords and members of the House of Commons

I pray that the blessing of almighty God may rest upon your counsels

第二篇：論英國女王與議會

論英國女王與議會—— 攜手共啟發展之路

十七世紀八十年代，在英國發生的一場不流血的政治革命為英國乃至整個世界開啟了進入現代社會的大門。金色的王冠自此在風中搖曳，英國議會自此接手了英國的政治大權。但即使如此，英國王室的光輝依舊燦爛，在幾百年后的今天依然熠熠生輝。自君主立憲之日起，國王就與議會形成了無聲的默契，共同致力于英國人民的幸福生活。

眾所皆知，人類歷史的每一次前進，都免不了經歷戰火與鮮血的洗禮。但十七世紀八十年代，在大西洋沿岸的一個彈丸小國里，進行著一場似乎不顧歷史遺訓的不流血的政治革命，史稱“光榮革命”。這場革命完成了英國資產階級革命的重大任務，自此推翻了數百年來形成的黑暗的英國君主專制統治，從此接過了英國政權的金鑰匙。國王從那時起失去了神佑的光輝，回歸平民的境地。憲法和法律的權利至高無上，即使是國王也要從中尋求蔭蔽。這就是我們常說的君主立憲政體。

英國資產階級確立的君主立憲政體大大削弱了國王的權力，議會政府逐步掌握了國家政權。這種政治體制雖然有其歷史局限性，但他結束了英國的封建君主專制制度，使得英國走上了資產階級政治民主化道路，有利于資本主義的發展。它代表了歷史發展的趨勢，是歷史的一大進步。英國是世界上第一個建立君主立憲制的國家，這一制度的確立和不斷完善，不僅對鞏固資產階級對英國的統治起巨大作用，而且對其他國家的資產階級建立新的制度，也有著巨大影響。溯源英國國王的發展不難發現，從早期國王專制到國王與議會斗爭，再從國王與議會斗爭到議會獨掌大權，經歷了長期的血型與暴力，國王的權力逐漸輪空，最終被完全剝奪了權利。但作為幾百年的君主專制國家，國王的威嚴已深入人心，成為人們享受現世生活的精神支柱，也成為英聯邦各個國家的精神領袖和連接紐帶，因而雖然國王失去了實權，依舊發揮著不可替代的作用。因而，英國一直保存著“國王”這一稱號。

現任的英國女王伊麗莎白二世出生于一九二六年的倫敦，于一九五二年接替父王正式即位，成為英聯邦國家元首，國教會最高領袖。女王在普遍英國人心目中，是國家團結的象征。而她的端正品行，亦往往是為全體國民樹立了個人行為操守的典范。另外，女王亦時常在一年一度的圣誕節的廣播談話中，鼓勵國民互相幫助及彼此團結。作為君主，女王儀態莊重，一絲不茍，總是非常嚴肅。除了在本國發揮著領導模范作用外，在國際事務上，英國女王也發揮著積極的重大作用。作為英聯邦國家元首，在維系英聯邦國家關系，保證英國國際地位方面發揮著重要作用。每逢英聯邦國家舉行重大慶典等活動時，舉辦方都會邀請女王參加，女王亦積極投身到各種活動中。例如：二零零六年三月十五日，女王出席了在墨爾本舉行的英聯邦運動會。二零零九年，法國因未邀請英國女王參加諾曼底登陸周年慶典而引起英國王室的憤怒，后法國政府立馬改口，表示歡迎女王參加該慶典。由此可見，無論在英聯邦國家還是在世界其他國家，英國女王都具有崇高的地位。而作為英國政府的議會，因為女王的存在，光輝自然減少。但作為真正掌握政權的機構，其管理國家事務的能力及對于國家發展產生的作用當然是最強大的。回顧英國議會的歷史，一條條紋路清晰地展開。它的產生、發展，內部矛盾及與國王的矛盾，無不體現者一路走來的心酸與艱難。

英國議會創建于十三世紀，迄今已有七百多年的歷史，被稱為“議會之母”。英國議會是英國政治的中心舞臺，是英國的最高立法機關。政府從議會中產生并對其負責。英國議會為兩院制，由上議院和下議員組成。上院由王室后裔、世襲貴族、新封貴族、上訴法院法官、教會大主教和主教組成，五任期限制。上院的立法職能主要是：提出法案；在立法程序中可以拖延法案生效；審判彈劾案；行使國家最高司法權。下院議員由普選產生，任期五年。下院的立法職權主要是：提出重要法案；先行討論、通過法案；提出質詢；財政法案只能由下院提出和通過。國王被看成是“一切權力的源泉”、“國家的化身”，在政治生活中處于“臨朝而不理政”、“統而不治”的地位，具有國家的象征意義。在立法職權方面，國王批準并頒布法律；制定文官管理法規；頒布樞密院令和特許狀；召集、終止議會會議；解散議會；任免重要官員。但是，國王的這些權力主要是象征性的，行使這些權力主要還是一種形式。例如，國王批準法律，必須先經由議會通過，國王只是履行一下手續；國王解散議會，但必須根據首相的決議才能采取行動。

英國議會居于優越于其他機關的“至上”地位，曾經擁有幾乎是無限的立法權。英國議會立法的職權可以說是無所不能，主要包括三個方面：立法、監控財政、監督政府。

英國資產階級革命后，女王與議會團結協作，共同致力于英國社會經濟發展。英國女王領導著英國人民的精神動向，而首相則領導議會政府管理國家大小事務，為英國人民提供醫療、教育、衛生、住房、環境等方面的各種便利。

第三篇：英國女王2017年英國議會開幕致辭雙語對照版

2017年英國女王議會開幕演講

MY LORDS AND MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS 上議院和下議院眾愛卿，My Government’s priority is to secure the best possible deal as the country leaves the European Union.My Ministers are committed to working with Parliament, the devolved administrations, business and others to build the widest possible consensus on the country’s future outside the European Union.A bill will be introduced to repeal the European Communities Act and provide certainty for individuals and businesses.This will be complemented by legislation to ensure that the United Kingdom makes a success of Brexit, establishing new national policies on immigration, international sanctions, nuclear safeguards, agriculture, and fisheries.我的政府，其首要任務是，在國家退出歐洲聯盟的過程中，達成最有利的協議。我的大臣致力于與議會、權力下放政府、商界等協作，建立最廣泛的共識，共造退歐后的英國未來。

政府將提交法案，廢除《歐共體法》，為個人和企業家定心。另外，立法確保了聯合王國成功退歐，推出新的關于國家移民、國際制裁、核安全、農業和漁業的政策。

My Government will seek to maintain a deep and special partnership with European allies and to forge new trading relationships across the globe.New bills on trade and customs will help to implement an independent trade policy, and support will be given to help British businesses export to markets around the world.我的政府將謀求與歐洲盟友保持深厚、特別的伙伴關系，并在全球打造新的貿易關系。貿易和關稅新法案將有助于推行獨立的貿易政策，支持英國商人向全世界市場出口產品。

My Ministers will strengthen the economy so that it supports the creation of jobs and generates the tax revenues needed to invest in the National Health Service, schools, and other public services.我的大臣將促進經濟發展，支持就業并征收所需稅收，用來投資國民健康服務、學校和其他公共服務。

My Government will continue to improve the public finances, while keeping taxes low.It will spread prosperity and opportunity across the country through a new modern, industrial strategy.我的政府將繼續改善公共財政支出，并維持低稅收。政府將通過新型現代工業戰略，在全國擴大繁榮、增加機會。

My Government will work to attract investment in infrastructure to support economic growth.Legislation will be introduced to ensure the United Kingdom remains a world leader in new industries, including electric cars and commercial satellites.A new bill will also be brought forward to deliver the next phase of high-speed rail.我的政府將努力吸引對基礎設施的投資，支撐經濟發展；立法確保聯合王國在新產業領域繼續成為世界領袖，其中包括電動汽車和商業衛星；還要立法推動下一階段的高鐵建設。

My Government will continue to work to ensure that every child has the opportunity to attend a good school and that all schools are fairly funded.My Ministers will work to ensure people have the skills they need for the high-skilled, high-wage jobs of the future, including through a major reform of technical education.我的政府將繼續致力于確保每個孩子都有機會上一所好學校，對所有學校進行公平的撥款。我的大臣將致力于確保人民獲得所需技能，在未來謀到高技能、高工資的崗位，包括通過對技術教育進行重大改革。

The National Living Wage will be increased so that people who are on the lowest pay benefit from the same improvements in earnings as higher paid workers.MyMinisters will seek to enhance rights and protections in the modern workplace.提高國民最低工資，讓收入最低的人民與高收入工人共享繁榮。我的大臣將設法增強現代工作場所的權利保護。My Government will make further progress to tackle the gender pay gap and discrimination against people on the basis of their race, faith, gender, disability or sexual orientation.我的政府將進一步解決性別收入差距，消除因種族、信仰、性別、身體殘疾、性取向等產生的歧視。

Legislation will be brought forward to protect the victims of domestic violence and abuse.政府將提議立法保護家庭暴力的受害者。

My Government will reform mental health legislation and ensure that mental health is prioritised in the National Health Service in England.我的政府將改革精神健康法，確保在英格蘭國民健康服務中，優先關注精神健康。

Proposals will be brought forward to ban unfair tenant fees, promote fairness and transparency in the housing market, and help ensure more homes are built.政府將提案禁止不公平租金，推動住房市場的公平和透明，確保建造更多的房屋。

My Ministers will work to improve social care and will bring forward proposals for consultation.我的大臣將致力于改善社會關懷服務，提交議案供議會商討。

My Government will ensure fairer markets for consumers, this will include bringing forward measures to help tackle unfair practices in the energy market to help reduce energy bills.我的政府將確保消費者市場更加公平，包括采取措施消除能源市場的不公平做法，降低能源開支。

A priority will be to build a more united country, strengthening the social, economic and cultural bonds between England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.一個首要任務是讓國家更加統一，強化英格蘭、北愛爾蘭、蘇格蘭和威爾士間的社會、經濟和文化聯系。

My Government will work in cooperation with the devolved administrations, and it will work with all of the parties in Northern Ireland to support the return of devolved government.我的政府將與權力下放政府合作，與北愛爾蘭所有的黨派合作，支持權力下放政府的回歸。

A new law will ensure that the United Kingdom retains its world-class regime protecting personal data, and proposals for a new digital charter will be brought forward to ensure that the United Kingdom is the safest place to be online.新立法將確保聯合王國繼續作為保護個人數據的世界級政府，政府將提交新的數字憲章，確保英國是最安全的網絡空間。

Legislation will also be introduced to modernise the courts system [Courts Bill] and to help reduce motor insurance premiums.My Government will initiate a full public inquiry into the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower to ascertain the causes, and ensure that the appropriate lessons are learnt.政府將立法使法院系統現代化，并降低機動車保險金。

我的政府將對格倫費爾塔大火悲劇展開全面調查，查清原因，汲取教訓。To support victims, my Government will take forward measures to introduce an independent public advocate, who will act for bereaved families after a public disaster and support them at public inquests.為了支持受害者，我的政府將采取措施，設立獨立的公益辯護人，在公共災難后為失去親屬的家庭代言，在公共調查方面對他們提供支持。My Ministers will continue to invest in our gallant Armed Forces, meeting the NATO commitment to spend at least two per cent of national income on defence, and delivering on the Armed Forces Covenant across the United Kingdom.我的部長將繼續為英勇的軍隊投入，履行北約承諾，至少將國民收入的百分之二用于國防，在全國履行對軍人的承諾。

My Government will bring forward proposals to ensure that critical national infrastructure is protected tosafeguard nationalsecurity 我的政府將提出議案，確保興建關鍵的國家基礎設施，保衛國家安全。A commission for countering extremism will be established to support the Government in stamping out extremist ideology in all its forms, both across society and on the internet, so it is denied a safe space to spread.將建立反對極端主義委員會，支持政府在全社會及網上打擊各種形式的極端主義思想，創造安全的空間。

In the light of the terrorist attacks in Manchester and London, my Government’s counter-terrorism strategy will be reviewed to ensure that the police and security services have all the powers they need, and that the length of custodial sentences for terrorism-related offences are sufficient to keep the population safe.因為在曼徹斯特和倫敦發生了恐怖襲擊，將重審政府的反恐戰略，確保警方和安全部隊獲得所需權力，確保足夠長的刑期震懾恐怖犯罪，確保人民安全。

My Ministers will ensure that the United Kingdom’s leading role on the world stage is maintained and enhanced as it leaves the European Union.我的大臣將確保聯合王國在退出歐盟后，在世界舞臺繼續保持領先地位，并有所增強。

As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, committed to spending zero point seven per cent of national income on international development, my Government will continue to drive international efforts that increase global security and project British values around the world.作為聯合國安理會常任理事國，并將國民收入的0.7%用于國際開發，我的政府將繼續推動增進全球安全的國際努力，將英國價值推廣至全世界。My Government will work to find sustainable political solutions to conflicts across the Middle East.It will work to tackle the threat of terrorism at source by continuing the United Kingdom’s leading role in international military action to destroy Daesh in Iraq and Syria.我的政府將為中東地區諸多沖突尋求可持續的政治解決方案。政府將從源頭解決恐怖主義威脅，繼續保持聯合王國在打擊伊斯蘭國的國際軍事行動中的領導地位。

It will also lead efforts to reform the international system to improve the United Kingdom’s ability to tackle mass migration, alleviate poverty, and end modern slavery.政府還將努力改革國際制度，改進英國在解決大規模移民、減貧和消除現代奴工方面的能力。

My Government will continue to support international action against climate change, including the implementation of the Paris Agreement.我的政府將繼續支持應對氣候變化的國際行動，包括履行巴黎氣候協定。Prince Philip and I look forward to welcoming Their Majesties King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain on a State Visit in July.菲利普親王和我盼望著西班牙費利佩國王陛下和雷蒂西亞王后7月份對我國進行國事訪問。

My Government will host the Commonwealth Summit in April of next year to cement its relevance to this, and future generations.明年四月，我的政府將舉辦英聯邦峰會，鞏固聯系，為后代打下基礎。MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS 下議院卿家，Estimates for the public services will be laid before you.你們面前是公共服務預算。

MY LORDS AND MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS 上議院和下議院眾卿家，Other measures will be laid before you.你們面前是其他提案。

I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your counsels.我祈禱萬能的上帝保佑眾卿的討論。

第四篇：2016英國女王致辭

英國女王2016年圣誕致辭

There was a time when British Olympic medal winners became household names because there were so few of them.But the 67 medals at this year's Games in Rio and 147 at the Paralympics meant that the GB medallists' reception at Buckingham Palace was a crowded and happy event.Throughout the Commonwealth there were equally joyful celebrations.Grenada, the Bahamas, Jamaica and New Zealand won more medals per head of population than any other countries.Many of this year's winners spoke of being inspired by athletes of previous generations.Inspiration fed their aspiration;and having discovered abilities they scarcely knew they had, these athletes are now inspiring others.A few months ago, I saw inspiration of a different kind when I opened the new Cambridge base of the East Anglian Air Ambulance, where Prince William works as a helicopter pilot.It was not hard to be moved by the dedication of the highly skilled doctors, paramedics and crew, who are called out on average five times a day.But to be inspirational you don't have to save lives or win medals.I often draw strength from meeting ordinary people doing extraordinary things: volunteers, carers, community organisers and good neighbours;unsung heroes whose quiet dedication makes them special.They are an inspiration to those who know them, and their lives frequently embody a truth expressed by Mother Teresa, from this year Saint Teresa of Calcutta.She once said: 'Not all of us can do great things.But we can do small things with great love'.This has been the experience of two remarkable organisations, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award and The Prince's Trust, which are 60 and 40 years old this year.These started as small initiatives but have grown beyond any expectations, and continue to transform young people's lives.To mark my 90th birthday, volunteers and supporters of the six hundred charities of which I have been patron came to a lunch in The Mall.Many of these organisations are modest in size but inspire me with the work they do.From giving friendship and support to our veterans, the elderly or the bereaved;to championing music and dance;providing animal welfare;or protecting our fields and forests, their selfless devotion and generosity of spirit is an example to us all.When people face a challenge they sometimes talk about taking a deep breath to find courage or strength.In fact, the word 'inspire' literally means 'to breathe in.But even with the inspiration of others, it's understandable that we sometimes think the world's problems are so big that we can do little to help.On our own, we cannot end wars or wipe out injustice, but the cumulative impact of thousands of small acts of goodness can be bigger than we imagine.At Christmas, our attention is drawn to the birth of a baby some two thousand years ago.It was the humblest of beginnings, and his parents, Joseph and Mary, did not think they were important.Jesus Christ lived obscurely for most of his life, and never travelled far.He was maligned and rejected by many, though he had done no wrong.And yet, billions of people now follow his teaching and find in him the guiding light for their lives.I am one of them because Christ's example helps me see the value of doing small things with great love, whoever does them and whatever they themselves believe.'The message of Christmas reminds us that inspiration is a gift to be given as well as received, and that love begins small but always grows.I wish you all a very happy Christmas.

第五篇：2011英國女王圣誕致辭

The Queen's Christmas Broadcast 2011

25日下午3時，英國女王伊麗莎白二世在圣誕節發表了一年一度的圣誕致辭。

伊麗莎白二世在致辭中強調了家庭的重要性，她說，在艱難時代人們總是能從家庭獲得力量，在逆境中獲得友誼，在危機中團結互助。

伊麗莎白二世表示，對于許多人來說，今年圣誕都不太好過，但家庭、朋友與社會總是我們獲得勇氣的源泉。In this past year my family and I have been inspired by the courage and hope we have seen in somany ways in Britain, in the Commonwealth and around the world.We’ve seen that it’s in hardshipthat we often find strength from our families;it’s in adversity that new friendships are sometimesformed;and it’s in a crisis that communities break down barriers and bind together to help oneanother.Families, friends and communities often find a source of courage rising up from within.Indeed,sadly, it seems that it is tragedy that often draws out the most and the best from the human spirit.When Prince Philip and I visited Australia this year we saw for ourselves the effects of naturaldisaster in some of the areas devastated by floods, where in January so many people lost their livesand their livelihoods.We were moved by the way families and local communities held together tosupport each other.Prince William travelled to New Zealand and Australia in the aftermath of earthquakes, cyclones andfloods and saw how communities rose up to rescue the injured, comfort the bereaved and rebuildthe cities and towns devastated by nature.The Prince of Wales also saw first hand the remarkable resilience of the human spirit after tragedystruck in a Welsh mining community, and how communities can work together to support theirneighbours.This past year has also seen some memorable and historic visits – to Ireland and from America.The spirit of friendship so evident in both these nations can fill us all with hope.Relationships thatyears ago were once so strained have through sorrow and forgiveness blossomed into long termfriendship.It is through this lens of history that we should view the conflicts of today, and so giveus hope for tomorrow.Of course, family does not necessarily mean blood relatives but often a description of acommunity, organisation or nation.The Commonwealth is a family of 53 nations, all with acommon bond, shared beliefs, mutual values and goals.It is this which makes the Commonwealth a family of people in the truest sense, at ease with eachother, enjoying its shared history and ready and willing to support its members in the direst ofcircumstances.They have always looked to the future, with a sense of camaraderie, warmth andmutual respect while still maintaining their individualism.The importance of family has, of course, come home to Prince Philip and me personally this yearwith the marriages of two of our grandchildren, each in their own way a celebration of the God-given love that binds a family together.For many this Christmas will not be easy.With our armed forces deployed around the world,thousands of service families face Christmas without their loved ones at home.The bereaved andthe lonely will find it especially hard.And, as we all know, the world is going through difficult times.All this will affect our celebration of this great Christian festival.Finding hope in adversity is one of the themes of Christmas.Jesus was born into a world full of fear.The angels came to frightened shepherds with hope in their voices: ‘Fear not’, they urged, ‘webring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.For unto you is born this day in the Cityof David a Saviour who is Christ the Lord.’

Although we are capable of great acts of kindness, history teaches us that we sometimes needsaving from ourselves – from our recklessness or our greed.God sent into the world a uniqueperson – neither a philosopher nor a general(important though they are)– but a Saviour, with thepower to forgive.Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Christian faith.It can heal broken families, it can restorefriendships and it can reconcile divided communities.It is in forgiveness that we feel the power ofGod’s love.In the last verse of this beautiful carol, O Little Town of Bethlehem, there’s a prayer:

O Holy Child of Bethlehem Descend to us we pray Cast out our sin And enter in

Be born in us today

It is my prayer that on this Christmas day we might all find room in our lives for the message of theangels and for the love of God through Christ our Lord.I wish you all a very happy Christmas.