Every year we herald the coming of Christmas by turning on the lights. And light does more than create a festive mood—light brings hope.
每年我们都开灯宣告圣诞节的到来。光不仅营造出节日的气氛，也带来了希望。
For Christians, Jesus is ‘the light of the world’, but we can’t celebrate his birth today in quite the usual way. People of all faiths have been unable to gather as they would wish for their festivals, such as Passover, Easter, Eid, and Vaisakhi. But we need life to go on. Last month, fireworks lit up the sky around Windsor, as Hindus, Sikhs and Jains celebrated Diwali, the festival of lights, providing joyous moments of hope and unity—despite social distancing.
对基督徒来说，耶稣是“世上的光”，但今天，我们无法用惯常的方式庆祝他的诞生。所有的信徒无法以自己喜欢的方式欢聚一堂庆祝自己的节日，比如逾越节、复活节、开斋节和丰收节。但是，生活仍要继续。上个月，印度教徒、锡克教徒和耆那教徒庆祝Diwali（排灯节）时，烟花照亮了温莎附近的上空。尽管受到社交距离的限制，这仍然是一个给人带来希望和团结的欢乐时刻。
Remarkably, a year that has necessarily kept people apart has, in many ways, brought us closer. Across the Commonwealth, my family and I have been inspired by stories of people volunteering in their communities, helping those in need.
值得注意的是，这一年（的疫情）使人们不得不分离，在许多方面却又拉近了我们的距离。在整个英联邦，我和我的家人都受到那些扶危济困的社区志愿者的鼓舞。
In the United Kingdom and around the world, people have risen magnificently to the challenges of the year, and I am so proud and moved by this quiet, indomitable spirit. To our young people in particular I say thank you for the part you have played.
在英国以及世界各地，人们奋起迎接这一年的挑战。我为这种镇定自若、不屈不挠的精神所打动，并为之骄傲。特别是我们的年轻人，我要为你们的贡献说一声谢谢。
This year, we celebrated International Nurses’ Day, on the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale. As with other nursing pioneers like Mary Seacole, Florence Nightingale shone a lamp of hope across the world. Today, our front-line services still shine that lamp for us - supported by the amazing achievements of modern science - and we owe them a debt of gratitude. We continue to be inspired by the kindness of strangers and draw comfort that - even on the darkest nights - there is hope in the new dawn.
今年，在南丁格尔诞辰200周年之际，我们庆祝了国际护士节。南丁格尔和 Mary Seacole等其他护理先驱一道，为世人点亮了希望之灯。今天，在现代科学成就的帮助下，我们的一线工作者依然在为我们点亮这盏希望之灯，因此，我们理应向他们献上感谢。我们不断受到陌生人的善意的鼓舞，并从中得到慰藉：即使在黑夜最深处，我们也应对新黎明抱有希望。
Jesus touched on this with the parable of the Good Samaritan. The man who is robbed and left at the roadside is saved by someone who did not share his religion or culture. This wonderful story of kindness is still as relevant today. Good Samaritans have emerged across society showing care and respect for all, regardless of gender, race or background, reminding us that each one of us is special and equal in the eyes of God.
耶稣在好撒玛利亚人（Good Samaritan）的寓言中提到了这一点（注：陌生人的善意）。一位拥有不同信仰或文化背景的人，搭救了一名遭抢劫并被遗弃路边的人。这个关于善良的精彩故事在今天仍有重要意义。社会上不断涌现出好撒玛利亚人，他们关心和尊重所有人，不分性别、种族或背景，并提醒我们每个人在上帝眼中都是独特而平等的。
The teachings of Christ have served as my inner light, as has the sense of purpose we can find in coming together to worship.
基督的教导是我的内心之光，我们聚会敬拜所产生的目标感也是如此。
In November, we commemorated another hero–though nobody knows his name. The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior isn’t a large memorial, but everyone entering Westminster Abbey has to walk around his resting place, honouring this unnamed combatant of the First World War—a symbol of selfless duty and ultimate sacrifice. The Unknown Warrior was not exceptional. That’s the point. He represents millions like him who throughout our history have put the lives of others above their own, and will be doing so today. For me, this is a source of enduring hope in difficult and unpredictable times.
今年11月，我们纪念了另一位英雄——尽管没人知晓他的姓名。作为纪念碑，无名战士墓并不算大，但每个进入威斯敏斯特大教堂的人都必须绕着他的长眠之地走一圈，以纪念这位无名的“一战”战士——他象征着无私的责任和终极的牺牲。这位无名战士并不罕见。这才是关键所在。我们的历史长河中，涌现了无数像他一样的战士，他们将别人的生命置于自己的生命之上，今天还会涌现这样的人物。就我而言，在艰难叵测的时刻，这种自我牺牲的精神给我们带来了希望。
Of course, for many, this time of year will be tinged with sadness: some mourning the loss of those dear to them, and others missing friends and family-members distanced for safety, when all they’d really want for Christmas is a simple hug or a squeeze of the hand. If you are among them, you are not alone, and let me assure you of my thoughts and prayers.
显然，对很多人来说，今年的疫情为圣诞节蒙上了一丝忧伤：有些人在哀悼失去的亲人，有些人则在思念亲友（为安全起见，他们彼此分开），此时，他们真正想要的圣诞礼物不过是一个简单的拥抱或一次紧紧的握手。如果你也在经历这一切，你并不孤单，我保证我的惦念和祈祷与你同在。
The Bible tells how a star appeared in the sky, its light guiding the shepherds and wise men to the scene of Jesus’s birth. Let the light of Christmas — the spirit of selflessness, love and above all hope — guide us in the times ahead.
《圣经》讲述了在天空中出现的一颗星，它的光芒引领牧羊人和博士来到耶稣的诞生处。让圣诞之光——无私、爱、（尤其是）希望的精神——引领我们前进吧。
It is in that spirit that I wish you a very happy Christmas.
本着这种精神，我祝你圣诞快乐！
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