- 演讲文本
- 中英对照
- 观看视频
英女王伊丽莎白二世在其年度圣诞讲话中号召民众在2014年能够花一点时间，停下来静心反思。
In the ruins of the old Coventry aathedral is a sculpture of aman and a woman reaching out to embrace each other. Thesculptor was inspired by the story of a woman who crossedEurope 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 whencountries 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 seeingthem and walking among them was silence. For every poppy a life; and a reminder of the grief ofloved ones left behind.
No one who fought in that war is still alive, but we remember their sacrifice and indeed the sacrificeof 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 thetrenches 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 agotoday.
Without any instruction or command, the shooting stopped and German and British soldiers met inno 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 theOlympic 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 Glasgowwhen 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 dialoguebetween nations, the Commonwealth Games pioneered the inclusion of para-sports within eachday’s events.
As with the Invictus Games that followed, the courage, determination and talent of the athletescaptured 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 theset of Game Of Thrones may have gained most attention, my visit to the Crumlin Road Gaol willremain vividly in my mind.
What was once a prison during the Troubles is now a place of hope and fresh purpose; a reminderof 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 greatdisappointment, 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 deeplytouched this year by the selflessness of aid workers and medical volunteers who have gone abroadto 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 aninspiration and an anchor in my life.
A role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, he stretched out his hands in love, acceptance andhealing. Christ’s example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people, of whatever faithor none.
Sometimes it seems that reconciliation stands little chance in the face of war and discord. But, asthe Christmas truce a century ago reminds us, peace and goodwill have lasting power in the heartsof men and women.
On that chilly Christmas Eve in 1914 many of the German forces sang Silent Night, its hauntingmelody inching across the line.
That carol is still much-loved today, a legacy of the Christmas truce, and a reminder to us all thateven in the unlikeliest of places hope can still be found.
A very happy Christmas to you all.