2013英女王圣诞讲话

第一篇：2013英女王圣诞讲话

2013年英女王的圣诞讲话

英女王的圣诞讲话，一般每年都由她自己撰写，并且英国政府无权干涉或是修改。她总是娓娓道来，如话家常，并且又顾及方方面面。女王的典雅与缜密由此可见一斑。以下为2013年圣诞的讲话全文，包括英文原文及中文译文。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.我曾认识那么一个人，他因为后背手术，打着石膏等待康复，这样度过了整整一年的时间。这一年的时间，他读了很多书，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.但是后来，他意识到那段被迫从世界抽离的日子却令他能把这个世界看的更清楚。

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.我们所有人都需要在行动和反思中找到平衡，世界烦嚣，我们很容易就忘了我们需要停下脚步来反思一下自己。

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.通过冥想，祈祷甚至写日记，很多人发现安静的个人反 思可以有惊人的收获，甚至可以在生活中探寻到自己的心灵更深处。

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.反思可以有很多种形式。家人和朋友在圣诞节时相 聚，往往会带来快乐美好的回忆。我们的思绪会飘向那些我们深爱却已经不在我们身边的人。我们也会想起那些因为工作和责任无法回家和家人团聚的人，比如那些 奋战在重要和紧急服务岗位上的工作人员。

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，我们应该特别要想一想那些在海外服役的姑娘和小伙们。对于他们冒着生命危险保护我们的安全，我们要永远心存感激。

Service and duty are not just the guiding principles of yesteryear;they have an enduring value which spans the generations.服务与责任不只是昔日的一种指导原则，而是永远传承的一种永恒价值。

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，我自己也有机会在威斯敏斯特教堂反思，就在那 个神圣的教堂，60年前，我加冕并许下了服务的承诺。

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周年纪念让我意识到自加冕后一些翻天覆地的变化，有些变得更好，有些却从未改变，如家庭的重要性、友谊以及睦邻友好。

But reflection is not just about looking back.I and many others are looking forward to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next year.但反思也不只是回顾过去。我和许多人都还在期待着明 年在格拉斯哥的英联邦运动会。

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.英联邦运动会的接力棒10月离开伦敦，现在已经到达世 界的另一边，它将跨越70个英联邦国家和地区于明年夏天到达苏格兰。这段旅程提醒我们：英联邦将带来崭新的生活。

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.我的儿子査尔斯最近在斯里兰卡的一次会议上做过一番总结。他提到英联邦国家之间有一种“家庭的纽带”。这真是莫大的鼓舞。就像所有的家庭一样，我们会有不同的想法和争议，但是至少我们之间有很牢固的友谊和共同的经历。

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.今年我们家也新添了家庭成员。你们知道的，新生儿的出生让我们所有人都有机会带着全新的幸福和希望思量和展望未来。对新爸爸和新妈妈来说，生活也发生了天翻地覆的改变。

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.跟很多人一样，小乔治已受洗成 一名基督徒。受洗之后，我们一起拍了全家福。这是特别值得高兴的时刻，我们四代同堂。

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.在未来的一年里，我希望大家都有时间驻足安静地反思 一下，就像那个打石膏的人一样，反思的结果有时可能令你惊讶。

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.对基督徒来说，所有人的信仰，反思，冥想和祈祷让我们在神 的关爱下不停的完善自我，我们每天都在努力成为一 个更棒的人。圣诞节带给我们的讯息就是：爱是给予每个人的，没有人会漏下。

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.第一个圣诞节，寒冷的冬夜，牧羊人在在伯利恒（耶稣诞生地)的荒野中，看着那些休息的羊，他们一定不缺时间反思。突然一切都改变了，这群卑微的牧羊人成为了第一个听到并且思量耶稣诞生的惊天新闻的人。这第一个圣诞节，也是我们今日欢庆的来源。

I wish you all a very happy Christmas.祝大家圣诞快乐。

第二篇：英女王2015圣诞致辞

一年一度最美英音：英女王2015圣诞致辞

一年一度最美的英音又来了！女王2015圣诞演讲来袭！

每年圣诞节发布电视演讲是女王的传统……

在讲话里，她用最适中的语速，最皇室范的英音对全世界阐述自己对今年世界大事的见解。通常，一般皇室讲话的讲稿都要政府审查通过，唯独女王的圣诞讲话不用经过政府，一般都是女王亲自动笔写，女王自己的文风也很赞是不是！今年女王提到了小公主，提到了法国的恐怖袭击，提到了二战胜利70周年，还有她对来年的祝福…… 大家打开视频播放…看着下面的双语全文…学习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.每年此时，没有什么情景比一棵圣诞树上闪烁的灯光更让人感到欢乐祥和。

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.人们对圣诞树的喜爱要部分归功于我的曾曾曾祖父母——维多利亚女王和阿尔伯特亲王。这张温馨的图片公布后，很多家庭都想要一棵自己的圣诞树，这一习俗也很快普及开来。

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，初为军嫂的我在马耳他度过圣诞节。多年以来，我们多次回到马耳他岛，上个月还在那里召开英联邦领导人会议。今年我会晤了另一批领导人，“女王青年领袖”是一个鼓舞人心的团体，每个人都是各自英联邦社区的希望。

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.聚在圣诞树旁，让我们有机会展望来年。我盼望着2016年忙忙碌碌，尽管有人说，我可能不止一次甚至两次听到生日歌。

译者注：2016年是伊丽莎白女王九十岁生日，届时多场庆祝活动。

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.圣诞树让我们回首过去的一年，于是我们想到了那些远离和已经离开我们的人。很多人说失去平生所爱后的第一个圣诞节是最艰难的，可此时也该想想我们要感恩的人。

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，世界不得不面对诸多黑暗时刻，这是事实。可《约翰福音》有一句充满希望的话这样说，圣诞赞歌中常常朗诵，“光明照亮了黑暗，黑暗却无法蒙蔽光明。” 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.今年夏天纪念二战结束七十周年是一件值得感恩的事。在对日作战胜利日，我们给在远东那场可怕战役中的在世老兵们授勋，缅怀数千名没有回到祖国的牺牲者。

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.从骑兵卫队场到威斯敏斯特宫的队伍大抵是行进最慢的一次，太多的人想对他们说一声“谢谢”。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.战争结束后，奥斯陆人民每年向特拉法加广场赠送一棵圣诞树。树上挂着500个灯泡，不仅基督徒喜爱它，无论何种信仰或有无信仰的人们都喜爱它。在树顶有一颗明星，它代表着“伯利恒之星”。译者注：所谓“伯利恒之星”是《圣经》中记载的一颗奇特天体。据说，在耶稣诞生时，有三个博士在东方观察到一颗属于“犹太人之王”的星，前来耶路撒冷拜见，就在博士们前往附近的伯利恒寻找时，先前看见的那颗星，又忽然出现在前方，引领他们来到耶稣降生之处。后世科学家推测这可能是金星和木星交汇。

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.这一风俗也可追溯到阿尔伯特亲王时代。他把一个天使放在家里的圣诞树顶，提醒我们圣诞节纪念了一个家庭的故事。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.对于约瑟和玛丽而言，耶稣出生在马厩，这样的环境远非理想，可更糟糕的是这家人还被迫逃离故土。这个人伦故事依旧捕捉着我们的想象力，继续激励着全世界所有的基督徒，这并不令人惊讶。

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.基督短暂的一生中颠沛流离、饱受迫害，可他一如既往倡导的不是复仇和暴力，而是人人相爱。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.尽管践行不易，我们也不要灰心。这鼓励着我们要加倍努力，感谢那些给我们生命带来爱和幸福的人，并想方设法将那份爱传递给他人——无论何时，无论何处。

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.长寿的喜悦之一是儿孙绕膝。先是儿女，然后是孙辈，现在有重孙辈帮我装扮圣诞树。今年，我家又有一位新成员共享天伦。

Albert's tree first appeared, although of course electric lights have replaced the candles.自维多利亚和阿尔伯特的圣诞树出现以来，传统的圣诞装饰变化甚微，当然，电灯取代了蜡烛。There's an old saying that “it is better to light a candle than curse the darkness”.老话说，“点燃烛火胜过咒骂黑暗”。

There are millions of people lighting candles of hope in our world today.今天，我们的世界，成百上千万的人点燃希望的烛火。

Christmas is a good time to be thankful for them, and for all that brings light to our lives.值此圣诞佳节，向他们表示感谢，对所有给我们生活带来光明的人表示感谢。I wish you a very happy Christmas.愿诸君圣诞快乐。

ppeared, although of course electric lights have replaced the candles.自维多利亚和阿尔伯特的圣诞树出现以来，传统的圣诞装饰变化甚微，当然，电灯取代了蜡烛。There's an old saying that “it is better to light a candle than curse the darkness”.老话说，“点燃烛火胜过咒骂黑暗”。

There are millions of people lighting candles of hope in our world today.今天，我们的世界，成百上千万的人点燃希望的烛火。

Christmas is a good time to be thankful for them, and for all that brings light to our lives.值此圣诞佳节，向他们表示感谢，对所有给我们生活带来光明的人表示感谢。I wish you a very happy Christmas.愿诸君圣诞快乐。

第三篇：英女王圣诞致辞

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圣诞致辞(英语版)

英女王2015圣诞致辞

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年圣诞致辞

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.