○  英国女王伊丽莎白二世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 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 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 sixty 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 the other side of the world, on its way across se

[1] [2] 下一页