As a child, I never imagined that one day a man would walk on the moon. Yet this year we marked the 50th anniversary of the famous Apollo 11 mission.

As those historic pictures were beamed back to Earth, millions of us sat transfixed to our television screens, as we watched Neil Armstrong taking a small step for man and a giant leap for mankind- and, indeed, for womankind. It's a reminder for us all that giant leaps often start with small steps.

This year we marked another important anniversary: D-Day. On 6th June 1944, some 156,000 British, Canadian and American forces landed in northern France. It was the largest ever seabourne invasionand was delayed due to bad weather.

我清楚记得那时父亲脸上的担忧。他知道“诺曼底登陆”的秘密计划，但是不能与任何人分享，压力无人分担。

For the 75th anniversary of that decisive battle, in a true spirit of reconciliation，those who had formally been sworn enemies came together in friendly commemorations either side of the Channel，putting past differences behind them.

Such reconciliation seldom happens overnight. It takes patience and time to rebuild trust, and progress often comes through small steps.

Since the end of the Second World War, manycharities, groups and organisations have worked to promote peace and unity around the world, bringing together those who have been on opposing sides.

By being willing to put past differences behind us and move forward together, we honour the freedom and democracy oncewon for us at so great a cost.

The challenges many people face today maybe different to those once faced by my generation, but I have been struck by how new generations have brought a similar sense of purpose to issues such as protecting our environment and our climate.

My family and I are also inspired by the men and women of our emergency services and armed forces; and at Christmas we remember all those on duty at home and abroad, who are helping those in need and keeping us and our families safe and secure.

Two hundred years on from the birth of my great, great grandmother, Queen Victoria, Prince Philip and I have been delighted to welcome our eighth great grandchild into our family.

Of course, at the heart of the Christmas story lies the birth of a child: a seemingly small and insignificant step overlooked by many in Bethlehem.

But in time, through his teaching and by his example, Jesus Christ would show the world how small steps taken in faith and in hope can overcome long-held differences and deep-seated divisions tobring harmony and understanding.

但是，随着时间的流逝，耶稣基督通过祂的教导和示范，向世人展示了，只要跨出那满怀信心和盼望的一小步，便能够打破长期存在的异见和根深蒂固的分歧，从而带来和睦与谅解。

Many of us already try to follow in his footsteps. The path, of course, is not always smooth, and may at times this year have felt quite bumpy, but small steps can make a world of difference.

As Christmas dawned, church congregations around the world joined in singing <It Came Upon The Midnight Clear>. Like many timeless carols, it speaks not just of the coming of Jesus Christ into adivided world, many years ago, but also of the relevance, even today, of theangel's message of peace and goodwill.

"It's a timely reminder of what positive things can be achieved when people set aside past differences and come together in the spirit of friendship and reconciliation. And, as we all look forward to the start of a new decade, it's worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.

这及时的提醒了人们，当我们放下过去的分歧，本着友谊与和解的精神联结在一起时，就可以取得非常积极的成就。并且，当我们都盼望新一个十年到来时，值得铭记的是，能够带来最持久改变的不是大步的跃进，而是小步的积累。

And so, I wish you all a very happy Christmas.

最后，祝大家圣诞节快乐。