Queen Elizabeth's Annual Christmas Message Friday Dec 25,2015

 

Queen Elizabeth will use her Christmas Day message to highlight the 'moments of darkness' the world has confronted but will also speak about the Christian message of light triumphing over the dark.

A series of terrorist atrocities have shocked the world during 2015, from the mass shootings and bombings in Paris last month to the gun attack at a Tunisia resort during the summer.

But the Queen, whose address traditionally has a strong religious framework reflecting her own faith, will sound an optimistic tone when she quotes a verse from the Bible

Reflecting on the past 12 months, the monarch will say during her Christmas Day broadcast: '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 her annual address - being screened later today - the Queen will describe the festive period as 'a time to remember all that we have to be thankful for'.

In a year that marked the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, the Queen will also offer renewed thanks for the service and sacrifice of those who took part in the conflict.

She will also give thanks to 'the people who bring love and happiness into our own lives', starting with family.

The Queen recorded her Christmas message seated at a desk in Buckingham Palace's 18th Century Room in the Belgian Suite, with a large Christmas tree in the background.

The message will be transmitted on television and radio at 3pm on Christmas Day and was produced this year by ITN.