第一篇：2003年英国女王圣诞节演讲稿
2003年英国女王圣诞节演讲稿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：英国女王发表圣诞节讲话
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.过去每年似乎都各具特点。一些年份让我们心满意足，一些年份则最好忘却。2009年对很多人来说都不好过，尤其是那些深受经济衰退之苦的人们。
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，我们所有人都受到阿富汗战事影响，为英军士兵伤亡感到悲伤。我们向这些士兵的家人和朋友表示慰问，他们面对巨大个人损失表现得无比高尚。
But, we can be proud of the positive contribution that our servicemen and women are making, in conjunction with our allies.但我们应该为我们的士兵与盟友作出的积极贡献而感到骄傲。
Well over 13,000 soldiers from the United Kingdom, and across the Commonwealthare currently serving in Afghanistan.英国和包括加拿大、澳大利亚、新西兰和新加坡在内的英联邦国家眼下共有超过1.3万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.我们对这些年轻士兵以及先前在阿富汗服役过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.今年是英联邦成立60周年，今天其成员国25岁以下人口超过10亿，为它保持长久的强大和实用提供了力量源泉。
Recently I attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Trinidad and Tobago and heard how important the Commonwealth is to young people.最近我刚刚参加了在特立尼达和多巴哥举行的英联邦政府首脑会议，听到联邦对年轻人是多么重要。
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.新的通信技术使他们能够接触到更广阔的世界，分享他们的经验和观点。对于许多人来说，英联邦的实际援助与网络可以提供技能，给予意见和鼓励进取。
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，我了解到一些年轻人正在做着一些事情，他们面对挑战，富于创造力和创新精神。
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.对关系到我们所有人的问题保持讨论很重要，它让我们的大家庭产生更大的价值。在英联邦成立以来的大部分时间里，我都同它联系紧密。
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.我个人同各国领袖、人民密不可分。这不单是象征意义，也能促进我们的团结。
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.英联邦并非一个具某种使命的组织，而更是一个让各国人民合作、解决困难的平台。
In many aspects of our lives, whether in sport, the environment, business or culture, the Commonwealth connection remains vivid and enriching.在涉及我们生活的许多方面，不论是体育、环境、商业或文化，英联邦国家之间的联系紧密而丰富。
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.在很多方面这展现未来的前景。随着不断的支持和贡献，我相信英联邦国家的多元化能加强各国在政治、宗教、种族和经济环境的凝聚力。
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.众所周知，圣诞节是欢庆与家人团聚的时候，但我们也可以借这个时机回顾那些国内外不幸者面临的困境。
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.基督徒被教导要爱他们的邻居，有同情心，乐于慈善和志愿工作，以减轻贫困和不利的负担。
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.我们自己会面临一连串的困难和挑战，这些困难和挑战会令我们感到困惑，但我们绝不能停下脚步。而应该继续努力，为自己和他人创造更美好的未来。
I wish you all, wherever you may be, a very happy Christmas.不论你们现时身在何处，我都祝愿你们圣诞快乐。
第三篇：英国女王2010圣诞节致辞中英文
英国女王2010圣诞节讲话
Over 400 years ago King James VI of Scotland inherited the throne of England at a time when the Christian church was deeply divided.超过400年前，苏格兰国王詹姆斯六世继承了英国王位，当基督教教会了深刻的一次。
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.在这里，在汉普顿法院于1604年，他召开了一个会议，讨论在这个国家未来的基督教牧师的各种意见。
The king agreed to commission a new translation of the bible that was acceptable to all parties.国王同意委托一个新的翻译“圣经”，这是各方都能接受的。
This was to become the King James, or Authorized, Bible, which next year will be exactly four centuries old.这是成为国王詹姆斯或授权，圣经，明年将是整整四个世纪的历史。
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.英语散文和最生动的翻译的经文是公认的杰作，这本圣经的光荣语言历史的动荡中幸存下来，并给予我们很多最广泛的认可和美丽的描述，我们庆祝耶稣基督诞生的今天。
The King James Bible was a major co-operative endeavour that required the efforts of dozens of the day's leading scholars.国王詹姆斯圣经是一个重要的合作努力，需要一天的几十个知名学者的努力。
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.指导整个企业的利益达成一致的基督教教堂的更广泛的利益，并把英格兰和苏格兰王国的和谐。
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，它是和以前一样重要，社区建设，创建和谐，这样做的最有力的方法之一是通过体育和游戏。
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.在过去一年中的丰富的体育赛事，我看到自己是多么的重要运动是汇聚了来自各种不同背景，来自社会各阶层，各年龄组的。
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.在城镇和城市的公园，公共绿地和全国上下，无数的人每星期给自己的时间参加各种运动和锻炼，或简单地鼓励他人这样做。
These kinds of activity are common throughout the world and play a part in providing a different perspective on life.这些是常见的世界各地的各种活动，并提供不同的角度对生活的一部分
Apart from developing physical fitness, sport and games can also teach vital social skills.除了来自发展中国家的身体素质，运动和游戏，也可以教重要的社会技能。
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.没有人可享有不遵守的规则，没有哪支球队希望球员之间的合作没有成功。这种积极的团队合作精神，有利于各种社区，公司和企业。
As the success of recent Paralympics bears witness, a love of sport also has the power to help rehabilitate.由于近期残奥会见证，对运动的热爱，也有成功的力量来帮助恢复。
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.我们认为受伤的男人和女人的武装部队，看看如何在游戏和运动的兴趣，可以加快恢复和更新的目的，享受和友好情谊感。
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.右键在世界各地，人们聚集标准规则下竞争，在大多数情况下，在友好竞争的精神。竞争对手知道，要成功，就必须尊重他们的对手，很多时候，他们也喜欢对方。
Sportsmen and women often speak of the enormous pride they have in representing their country, a sense of belonging to a wider family.男女运动员常说的巨大的骄傲，他们在代表自己的国家，从某种意义上说，属于一个更广泛的家庭。
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.我们认为，这生动地举行的英联邦运动会，例如，这是众所周知的友好运动会，我相信你已经注意到了，它始终是竞争对手谁最响亮的欢呼声从最小的国家。
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.人是能够属于许多社区，包括宗教的信仰。国王詹姆斯可能没有预计到重要的运动和游戏是怎样成为促进社会和谐和共同利益。
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，从他的名字命名的圣经经文中，我们知道，没有什么比属于一个致力于互相帮助的感觉是更令人满意的：
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.所以无论何事，你们愿意人应该做的，你不要你们即使如此他们。
I wish you, and all those whom you love and care for, a very happy Christmas.我希望你，和所有那些你爱和关怀，一个非常快乐的圣诞节。
第四篇：英国女王演讲稿
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.本篇文章来源于爱英语吧_英语学习网站(http://
第五篇：英国女王演讲稿
英国女王登基60周年演讲稿
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年女王演讲稿 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年女王演讲稿 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年女王演讲稿
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.
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