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25日，英国女王发表圣诞节讲话，突出了以陶瓷罂粟花向一战阵亡将士致敬的活动，并感谢抵抗埃博拉的医疗人员。
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.
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发表于 2016-7-12 22:06:38