英国女王伊丽莎白二世圣诞节英语演讲稿
I once knew someone who spent a year in a plaster cast recovering from an operation onhis back. He read a lot, and thought a lot, and felt miserable.
Later, he realised this time of forced retreat from the world had helped him to understandthe world more clearly.
We all need to get the balance right between action and reflection. With so manydistractions, 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 reflectionsurprisingly rewarding, even discovering greater spiritual depth to their lives.
Reflection can take many forms. When families and friends come together at Christmas, it’soften a time for happy memories and reminiscing. Our thoughts are with those we have lovedwho are no longer with us. We also remember those who through doing their duty cannot be athome 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 ourarmed 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 enduringvalue which spans the generations.
I myself had cause to reflect this year, at Westminster Abbey, on my own pledge ofservice made in that great church on Coronation Day sixty years earlier.
The anniversary reminded me of the remarkable changes that have occurred since theCoronation, many of them for the better; and of the things that have remained constant, suchas the importance of family, friendship and good neighbourliness.
But reflection is not just about looking back. I and many others are looking forward to theCommonwealth Games in Glasgow next year.
The baton relay left London in October and is now the other side of the world, on its wayacross seventy nations and territories before arriving in Scotland next summer. Its journey is areminder 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 theCommonwealth’s “family ties” that are a source of encouragement to many. Like any familythere can be differences of opinion. But however strongly they’re expressed they are heldwithin the common bond of friendship and shared experiences.
Here at home my own family is a little larger this Christmas.
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