2013 The Queen

MUSIC: "The National Anthem"

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.

CHOIR SINGS

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 60 years earlier.

All this I promise to do.

MUSIC: "Zadok The Priest" by George Frideric Handel

Today, we celebrate 60 years since that moment.

60 years of commitment.

CROWDS CHEER

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 70 nations and territories...

..before arriving in Scotland next summer.

Its journey is a reminder

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 the Commonwealth's "family ties"

that are a source of encouragement to many.

Each one of us is here because of the hope and the trust

we place in the Commonwealth

to bring that touch of healing to our troubles

and deliver the very best future for our people.

Like any family, there can be differences of opinion.

But however strongly they're expressed,

they are held within the common bond of friendship and shared experiences.

Here at home, my own family is a little larger this Christmas.

As so many of you will know,

the arrival of a baby gives everyone the chance

to contemplate the future with renewed happiness and hope.

So far, so good.

LAUGHTER

For the new parents, life will never be quite the same again!

As with all who are christened,

George was baptised into a joyful faith of Christian duty and service.

One, two, three...

Really nice. OK, so here we go.

'After the christening, we gathered for the traditional photograph.'

OK. Thank you. I think he's very good.

One, two, three. Straight to me.

George!

-Good boy.

-OK. Straight to the lens.

One, two, three.

-CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS

-Really nice.

It was a happy occasion...

..bringing together four generations.

In the year ahead, I hope you will have time

to pause for moments of quiet reflection.

As the man in the plaster cast discovered,

the results can sometimes be surprising.

For Christians, as for all people of faith,

reflection, meditation and prayer

help us to renew ourselves in God's love,

as we strive daily to become better people.

The Christmas message shows us that this love is for everyone.

There is no-one beyond its reach.

On the first Christmas, in the fields above Bethlehem,

as they sat in the cold of night watching their resting sheep,

the local shepherds must have had no shortage of time for reflection.

Suddenly all this was to change.

These humble shepherds were the first to hear and ponder

the wondrous news of the birth of Christ - the first Noel -

the joy of which we celebrate today.

I wish you all a very happy Christmas.

MUSIC: "The First Noel"