英国女王2015圣诞致辞演讲
一年一度最美的英音又来了！
女王2015 圣诞演讲！
每年圣诞节发布电视演讲是女王的传统...
在讲话里她会讲到自己对今年世界大事的见解。用最适中的语速，最皇室范的英音对全世界就播出....
通常，一般皇室讲话的讲稿都要都要政府审查通过，
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.. 提到她对来年的祝福....
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.
'Losing a loved one'
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.
'Displaced and persecuted'
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's birth - in a stable - were 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.
英国女王伊丽莎白2009年圣诞致辞
英国女王伊丽莎白2009年圣诞致辞 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 Commonwealth - Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore - are 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.
2020年英国女王演讲全稿(中英文对照)：我们一定能战胜疫(语法填空版)
英国女王演讲全稿（中英文对照）：我们一定能战胜疫 I am speaking to you at what I know is an increasingly _______（challeng）time. A time of disruption in the life of our country: a __________(disrupt) that has brought grief to some, financial ————（difficult ）to many, and enormous changes to the daily lives of us all. I want to thank everyone on the NHS front line, as well as care workers and those _________（carry）out essential roles, _________ selflessly continue their day-to-day duties outside the home in support of us all. I am sure the nation will join me in assuring you that what you do is_________（appreciate）and every hour of your hard work brings us closer to a return to more normal ________（time）. I also want to thank those of you ______ are staying at home,thereby helping to protect the vulnerable and sparing many families the painal ready ________（feel）by those who have lost loved ones. Together we are tackling this disease, and I want to reassure you that ________ we remain united and resolute, then we will overcome it. I hope in the years to come everyone will be able to takep ride in how they______ ( respond) to this challenge. And those who come after us ______（say）the Britons of this generation were as______（strong ）as any. That the attributes of self-discipline, of quiet good-humoured resolve and of fellow-feeling still characterise this country. The pride in who we are is not ______ part of our past, it defines our present and our future. The moments______theUnited Kingdom has come together to applaud its care and essential workers will ______ （remember ）as an expression of our national spirit; and its symbol will be the rainbows______（draw）by children. Across the Commonwealth and around the world, we have seen heart-warming stories of people coming together to help ______（other）, be it through delivering food parcels and medicines, checking on neighbours, or______（convert ）businesses to help the relief effort. And though self-isolating may at times be hard, many people of all ______（faith）, and of none, are discovering that it presents an opportunity to slow down, pause and reflect, in ______（pray）or meditation. It reminds me of the very______（one）broadcast I made, in 1940,helped by my sister. We, as children, spoke from here at Winds or to children who had ______ (evacuate) from their homes and sent away for their own (safe). Today, once again, many will feel a ______ (pain) sense of separation from their loved ones. But now, as then, we know, deep down, that it is the right thing to do. ______ we have faced challenges before, this one is different. This time we join with all nations across the globe in______ common endeavour, using the great advances of science and our instinctive______ (compass) to heal. We will succeed - and that success ______(belong )to every one of us. We should take comfort that while we may have ______(many) still to endure, better days will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be with our ______ (famiy) again; we will meet again. But for now, I send my thanks and______ ( warm) good wishes to you all.
英国女王2015圣诞致辞双语版
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。 一年一度最美英音：英女王2015圣诞致辞 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
英国女王2015圣诞致辞(中英双语 英汉对照)
英国女王2015圣诞致辞 （中英双语英汉对照） Queen’s Christmas Broadcast 2015 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高祖父母——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。这此后多年，我们多次故地重游，上个月还在那里召开英联邦领导人会议。今年我还会晤了另一批领导人，“女王青年领袖”，这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，我开始展望来年。我盼望着2016年忙忙碌碌，尽管有人说，我可能不止一次两次听到生日歌。（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，我们确实面对了诸多黑暗时刻。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 seventy 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. 我们心怀感恩的一件事是今年夏天是二战结束七十周年纪念。在对日作战胜利日，我们给在远东作战的在世老兵们授勋，同时也缅怀数千名没有归来的战士。 The procession from Horse Guards Parade to Westminster Abbey must have been one of the
英国女王2015圣诞致辞(中英双语致辞)
演讲原文： 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. 每年的这个时候，只需几个场景就会唤起欢乐美好的感受，尤其是圣诞树上闪烁的灯光。 而圣诞树的普及，很大程度上是因为我的曾曾祖父母——维多利亚女王和阿尔伯特亲王。 当年，在他们这张深触人心的画发布之后，很多家庭也想要他们自己的圣诞树，这个习俗很快流行了开来。 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.
2017英国女王圣诞节演讲稿中英对照版
2017英国女王圣诞节演讲稿中英对照版 导读：本文2017英国女王圣诞节演讲稿中英对照版，仅供参考，如果能帮助到您，欢迎点评和分享。 在英国的传统里，每年有几百上千万的观众忠实地守候在电视前，看女王徐徐道来一年中的大事件，听她用睿智而坚定的话语鼓舞和安慰大家，让观众的心里充满了对新一年的希望。下面来说说英国女王圣诞节演讲稿中英对照版。 女王圣诞讲话的官方名称是“女王殿下最仁慈的演讲”(Her Majesty’s Most Gracious Speech)。 女王在讲话里提到了科技的进步，幽默地提到她随科技自己的进化，她尤其强调了60年来不变的东西--- 家给人带来的温暖和庇佑--- 不变的东西才更打动她的内心。 她在演讲中提到了家给她的支持，尤其是和菲利普亲王七十年的婚姻。她在讲话中，幽默地说到，不知是谁发明了七十年“白金婚”的说法，当她出生的时候，其实没人指望她能活这么久。她还尤其提到明年有一位新的家庭成员的加入，很明显，亨利王子明年将和梅根·马克尔大婚，作为王子的老奶奶，她给予了热情的欢迎和祝福。 中英文对照 Sixty years ago today, a young woman spoke about the speed of technological change as she presented the first television broadcast of its kind. She described the moment as
a landmark: 六十年的今天，一位年轻的女士(女王幽默地说她自己)，第一次通过电视，广播了她的讲话。她谈到了科技进化的速度，并把那个时刻称做是里程碑。 Television has made it possible for many of you to see me in your homes on Christmas Day. My own family often gather round to watch television, as they are at this moment. And that is how I imagine you now. 电视的出现，让大家过圣诞节的时候，坐在家里也能看到我。我的家里人也经常围坐在一起看电视，比如现在。我想，你们现在也是。 Six decades on, the presenter has evolved somewhat, as has the technology she described. Back then, who could have imagined that people would one day be watching this on laptops and mobile phones, as some of you are today? 六十年过去了，当年的通过电视广播演讲的女士自己，如她所描述的科技一样，也多少成长了一些。回到那个时候，谁能想到，你们今天会通过电脑或手机来观看我的圣诞演讲呢? But I'm also struck by something that hasn't changed - that whatever the technology, many of you will be watching this at home. 但是，我也被那些不曾改变的东西所触动，比如，无论科技怎么进化，你们大多数人都会在家观看我的演讲。
2009英国女王圣诞致辞(中英文)
英国女王2009圣诞致辞（中英文） 圣诞致辞是英国王室传统。1932 年，当时的英国国王乔治五世首次发表圣诞节讲话。77 年之后，现年83岁的女王身穿天蓝色服装，饰以钻石珍珠胸针，戴着珍珠项链，面带微笑，继续她第57 次圣诞致辞。 Each year that passes seems to have its own character. Some leave us with a feeling ofsatisfaction, others are best forgotten. 2009 was a difficult year for many, in particular thosefacing 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 thecasualties suffered by our forces serving there. Our thoughts go out to their relations and friendswho 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, inconjunction 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 Commonwealth- Canada,Australia, New Zealand and Singapore- are 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 indeedprofound. 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
英国女王圣诞演讲
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 Commonwealth - Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore - are 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。
英国女王圣诞节讲话稿中英对照版.doc
英国女王圣诞节讲话稿中英对照版 女王圣诞讲话的官方名称是“女王殿下最仁慈的演讲”(Her Majesty’s Most Gracious Speech)。让观众的心里充满了对新一年的希望。下面来说说英国女王圣诞节讲话稿中英对照版。 女王在讲话里提到了科技的进步，幽默地提到她随科技自己的进化，她尤其强调了60年来不变的东西 --- 家给人带来的温暖和庇佑 --- 不变的东西才更打动她的内心。 她在演讲中提到了家给她的支持，尤其是和菲利普亲王七十年的婚姻。她在讲话中，幽默地说到，不知是谁发明了七十年“白金婚”的说法，当她出生的时候，其实没人指望她能活这么久。她还尤其提到明年有一位新的家庭成员的加入，很明显，亨利王子明年将和梅根·马克尔大婚，作为王子的老奶奶，她给予了热情的欢迎和祝福。 中英文对照 Sixty years ago today, a young woman spoke about the speed of technological change as she presented the first television broadcast of its kind. She described the moment as a landmark: 六十年的今天，一位年轻的女士(女王幽默地说她自己)，第一次通过电视，广播了她的讲话。她谈到了科技进化的速度，并把那个时刻称做是里程碑。 Television has made it possible for many of you to see me in your homes on
Christmas Day. My own family often gather round to watch television, as they are at this moment. And that is how I imagine you now. 电视的出现，让大家过圣诞节的时候，坐在家里也能看到我。我的家里人也经常围坐在一起看电视，比如现在。我想，你们现在也是。 Six decades on, the presenter has evolved somewhat, as has the technology she described. Back then, who could have imagined that people would one day be watching this on laptops and mobile phones, as some of you are today? 六十年过去了，当年的通过电视广播演讲的女士自己，如她所描述的科技一样，也多少成长了一些。回到那个时候，谁能想到，你们今天会通过电脑或手机来观看我的圣诞演讲呢? But I'm also struck by something that hasn't changed - that whatever the technology, many of you will be watching this at home. 但是，我也被那些不曾改变的东西所触动，比如，无论科技怎么进化，你们大多数人都会在家观看我的演讲。 We think of our homes as places of warmth, familiarity and love - of
英国女王09年圣诞演讲词
Text of the Queen's Christmas message 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. 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. But, we can be proud of the positive contribution that our servicemen and women are making, in conjunction with our allies. Well over 13,000 soldiers from the United Kingdom, and across the Commonwealth - Canada, 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 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. 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.
2013您英国女王圣诞致辞英文
THE QUEEN I once knew someone who spent year in a plaster cast recovering from one operation on his back.He read a lot,and thought a lot,and felt https://www.360docs.net/doc/ca9594531.html,ter he realised 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 people 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 at Christmas,such as workers in essential or emergency services.And especially at this time of year,we think of men and women serving overseas in our armed forces.We are forever grateful to all those who put themselves in risk to keep us safe.Service and duty are not just guiding principles of yesteryear,they have an enduring value which spans the generations. I myself had a 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.The anniversary reminded me of the remarkable changes that have occured since the Coronation,many of them for the better,and of the things have remained constant,such as the importance of family,friendship and good neighborliness. But reflection is not just 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 world.On its way across seventy nations and territorials before arriving Scotland next summer.Its journey is 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 families 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 know,the arrival of a baby gives everyone a chance to contemplete the future with renewed happiness and hope.For the new parents,life will never be quiet the same again.As with all who are christened,Jeorge 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.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 sometimes can 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 shephards must have had no shortage of time of reflection.Suddenly all of 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 have a very happy Christmas.