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。

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”。

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 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.

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。

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.

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。

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.

在考文垂大教堂的废墟上有一尊雕塑，一男一女张开双臂拥抱彼此。这尊塑像源自于一个女人在战后以步行的方式横跨欧洲千里寻夫的故事。

Casts of the same sculpture can be found in Belfast and Berlin, and it is simply called Reconciliation.

相同的雕像还可以在贝尔法斯特和柏林被找到，人们赋予它一个简单的名字，叫做“和解”。

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.

“和解”是一场冲突之后的和平结局。8月份的时候，当一战双方国家聚集在一起和平纪念的时候，我们想起了这个这个词汇。

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.

伦敦塔顶的陶瓷罂粟花万人瞩目，但真正看到它们并且在它们中间穿过的时候，你唯一的反映就是沉默。每一朵罂粟花代表一个逝去的生命，也是对至亲们的哀思。

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.

参战的人可能已逝，但我们铭记他们的牺牲，同样也铭记那些当今服务和保卫我们的陆海空三军将士们的贡献。

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.

1914年的时候，很多人以为战争会在圣诞前结束，不过不幸的是，战壕却在进一步扩大，欧洲的战局也初步形成。

But, as we know, something remarkable did happen that Christmas, exactly a hundred years ago today.

但是，据我们所知，那个圣诞，也就是100年前的今天，的确发生了一些不寻常的事情。

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.

在没有任何指令和命令的情况下，德国和英国的士兵走出战壕在无人区自发休战，有照片记载他们交换礼物，这是圣诞休战。

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.

“休战”并不是新事物，在古代，奥林匹克运动会时，也会休战，所有战争和争端在那时会暂缓。

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.

“运动”也是一个将所有人和国家汇聚在一起的极佳方法，比如今年的格拉斯哥，超过70多个国家参加的英联邦运动会。

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.

英联邦运动会又叫“亲善友谊运动会”绝非偶然，它既促进了国家之间的对话，又首创性的在赛事中融合了很多其它项目(英联邦运动会既有残疾人项目，也包含了一些流行于英联邦国家的项目如草地滚球、七人制橄榄球和无网篮球等)。

As with the Invictus Games that followed, the courage, determination and talent of the athletes captured our imagination as well as breaking down divisions.

而随后的“不可征服运动会”(专门负伤军人举办的运动会)，运动员们的勇气，决心和才华既给我们留下了深刻的印象，同时也消除瓦解了隔阂和分级。

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.

我今年6月去贝尔法斯特，和解的意义显而易见，尽管大家对我参观“权利的游戏”片场关心的比较多，但克拉姆林道监狱之行却历历在目。

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.

曾经纷争中的监狱如今却是一个充满希望和主旨鲜明的地方，提醒大家拥抱彼此已成可能，而不再像雕像中的那对夫妻那样。

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.

当然，和解有不同的形式。苏格兰公投之后，不少人会很失望，但有些人则感到欣慰。联结这些异见也需要时间。

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.

把“和解”带去战争或应急区是个更难的任务，我今年被无私的救援人员和医务志愿者深深感动，他们冒着个人的危险，到国外去帮助解决冲突，去帮助例如埃博拉等疾病的受害者。

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.

对于我来说，耶稣---和平之君，他的生日，也就是我们圣诞庆祝的原因，是我生命中的鼓舞和依靠。

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.

作为和解和宽容的榜样，耶稣他带着爱，接纳和治愈伸出双手，他教会了我们去追寻，尊重和珍惜每一个人，无论信仰如何。

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.

有时候“和解”看起来在战争和争端中的可能性很小，但是，正如一个世纪前的圣诞节休战提醒我们的：和平和友好意愿在世人心中有着更恒久的力量。

On that chilly Christmas Eve in 1914 many of the German forces sang Silent Night, its haunting melody inching across the line.

在1914年的那个寒冷平安夜，很多德国军人唱响“平安夜”这首歌，那令人忘怀的旋律跨越了战线。

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.

那首圣诞颂歌今天依然倍受欢迎，是圣诞休战的遗产，也是在提醒我们：即使在最绝望的地方，希望仍在。

A very happy Christmas to you all.

祝大家圣诞快乐。

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.

我曾了解到有人因背部手术而被打上石膏近一年时间。这段期间，他广泛阅读，思考良多，感觉非常困苦。

Later he realized this time of forced retreat from the world had helped him to understand the world more clearly.

后来他意识到自己被强制性退出世界之后，这一次帮助他更好滴认识世界。

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.

我们都需要行动，需要反思，平衡好这两者之间的关系。有了那么多的杂念，很容易忘了停下来评估情况。

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.

不管是通过冥想、起到还是写日记，很多人都发现反思以外的有收获，让我们的精神层次得到了更深度的发现。

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.

有很多种沉思的方法。当家人和朋友在圣诞节欢聚一起，这往往是一个欢乐并会令人追忆的时光。我们的情感总是与那些已经逝去但我们深深爱着的人同在。我们依旧记得那些因为职责而不能在家过圣诞节的人 比如一些必要的服务业。

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.

尤其是每年的这个时候，我们会思念那些在国外驻扎的军人，我们永远不会忘记你们为了我们的安全所付出的一切。

Service and duty are not just the guiding principles of yesteryear. They have an enduring value which spans the generations.

为国家效忠和服务这不仅仅是过去的坚持和信念，新一代的人也同样体会着其重要的意义。

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.

朕今年也有理由静下心来自省，在西敏寺，回想60年前的加冕日里，朕在这座宏伟教堂中立下的登基誓言。

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.

今年的加冕纪念让我想到了这60年中发生的各种重大变化，很多都是更好的变化。还让我瞬间想了到了家庭、友谊和睦邻的重要。

But reflection is not just about looking back. I and many others are looking forward to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next year.

但是反思并意味着回忆过去。我还有很多人都非常期待明年在格拉斯哥举行的英联邦运动会。

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.

我的儿子查理近期刚在斯里兰卡做了总结。他说英联邦国家之间的团结给很多其他国家带来了鼓励。

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.

像任何一个家庭一样，我们都会发生意见争执，但是无论他们如何强烈的表示，都会仍然尊重友谊和互相理解。

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.

今年我的家多了一个人。相信很多人都知道，小宝宝的降临会给很多人带来对未来的沉思、快乐和希望。

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.

对于新的爸爸妈妈来讲，他们的人生将再也不一样。跟所有受洗的人一样，乔治称受洗成为了基督徒并担当起应有的责任和服务。

After the christening we gathered for the traditional photograph. It was a happy occasion, bringing together four generations.

受洗完我们聚在一起照相，非常的开心，四世同堂。

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. 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.

在新的一年来临之前，我希望你也可以花时间反思，你会发现意想不到的结果。对基督徒，乃至对所有心怀信仰的人来说，我们每天努力去做更好的人，这之中，内省、冥想、祈祷帮助我们在上帝的爱中重新认识我们自己。

The Christmas message shows us that this love is for everyone. There is no one beyond its reach.

圣诞所要传达的信息是爱是给每一个人的，没有人会被排除在外。

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.

Bethlebem北部旷野的第一个圣诞节，当地牧民坐在寒夜中，盯着他们休息的羊群时，他们最不缺的就是用来沉思的时间。

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.

转瞬之间一切都变了。谦和的牧民们第一次听到并思索着基督诞世之奇闻。这就是第一个圣诞节，它所含的乐趣至今我们仍在庆祝。

I wish you all a very happy Christmas.

祝你们圣诞快乐。