The Queen's 2015 Christmas Speech

[-:Undertaker:-]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ukne...trocities.html

The Queen used her Christmas Day broadcast to make one of her most overtly Christian religious addresses to the nation in recent years. Quoting directly from the Gospel of John, she spoke of light which “shines in the darkness” which she described as a “verse of great hope”. Her comments come at the end of a year in which Britain has been stunned by terrorist atrocities, from the mass shootings and bombings in Paris last month to the gun attack at a Tunisia resort during the summer. Reflecting on the past 12 months, the monarch said: “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'.”

In a year that marked the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, the Queen offered renewed thanks for the service and sacrifice of those who took part in the conflict. "One cause for thankfulness this summer was marking 70 years since the end of the Second World War," she said. "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."

Acknowledging the birth of Princess Charlotte in May, the Queen said: "One of the joys of living a long life is watching one's children, then grandchildren, then great grandchildren, help decorate the Christmas tree" She added: "And this year my family has a new member to join in the fun!"

In a light-hearted nod to her 90th birthday celebrations next April, the monarch said: “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.” Touching on a more sombre note, the Queen said Christmas is a time that “allows us to reflect on the year that has passed, as we think of those who are far away or no longer with us.” She went on: “Many people say the first Christmas after losing a loved one is particularly hard."

At the end of a year which saw the head of state become the nation's longest reigning monarch, the Queen acknowledged the influence of her great-great grandparents on the nation's Christmas traditions. She explained that the popularity of the Christmas tree is “due in part to my great-great grandparents, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert”. A 19th century image of Victoria and Albert around a candle-lit tree was shown as the Queen said: "After this touching picture was published, many families wanted a Christmas tree of their own, and the custom soon spread."

Queen Charlotte, the German-born wife of George III, is credited with introducing the Christmas tree to Britain. But it was Prince Albert who popularised it, presenting large numbers to schools and Army barracks.

The Christmas address, which was transmitted on television and radio at 3pm on Christmas Day, is written by the Queen.


It is one of the rare occasions when she does not turn to the Government for advice but is able to voice her own views.

Merry Christmas.

[Kyle]

Loved this speech

[FlyingJesus]

What a qt loving her work. Does she not usually do a Bible reading at all? Would have thought as head of the church it would be a normal thing for her to do but guess not if stating one verse is seen as a big deal