The Queen says light can win out over this year’s ‘moments of darkness’

THE Queen has used her Christmas message to say light can triumph over the dark moments of the year.

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 25: Queen Elizabeth II sits at a desk in the 18th Century Room at Buckingham Palace, after recording her Christmas Day broadcast to the Commonwealth on December 25, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by John Stillwell-WPA Pool/Getty Images)

THE Queen has used her Christmas Day address to emphasise that light can triumph over “moments of darkness” the world has confronted this year.

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 in June.

Meanwhile, Pope Frances has said that the world’s 1.2 billion Roman Catholics should not to be “intoxicated” by possessions.

The Queen, who recorded the message from her London residence of Buckingham Palace, sounded an optimistic tone when she quoted a verse from the Bible.

Reflecting on the past 12 months, the monarch said 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.’”

The Queen described the festive period as “a time to remember all that we have to be thankful for”.

FAMILY PHOTOS

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

She also thanked “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, with a large Christmas tree in the background.

There are three family photographs on the desk. The first was taken by fashion photographer Mario Testino to mark the christening of Princess Charlotte in July. The image shows the Duchess of Cambridge holding her daughter while the Duke holds his son Prince George.

The second photo is of the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall on their wedding day in April 2005, and the final image is an informal picture of the Queen, wearing a headscarf and jacket, and the Duke of Edinburgh, wearing a flat cap and jacket, laughing as they lean on walking sticks in the Uk countryside.

‘WEALTH AND EXTRAVAGANCE’

The Pope said the world was transfixed by “consumerism and hedonism, wealth and extravagance” at a Christmas Eve Mass in St Peter’s Basilica, in the Vatican City, in front of about 10,000 people.

Pope Francis kisses a figurine of baby Jesus during Christmas Eve mass at St Peter's basilica in the Vatican City. Picture: Vincenzo Pinto

Later on Friday, he will deliver his annual Christmas message from the balcony of St Peter’s Square.

Celebrating Mass, the Pope said Christmas was the time to “once more discover who we are”.

He called on Catholics to lead a life similar to the child Jesus, “born into poverty in a manger despite his divinity,” reported the BBC.

“In a society so often intoxicated by consumerism and hedonism, wealth and extravagance, appearances and narcissism, this child calls us to act soberly, in other words, in a way that is simple, balanced, consistent, capable of seeing and doing what is essential,” he said.

The Queen’s speech is one of the rare occasions when she does not turn to the UK government for advice, but is able to voice her own views.

It is broadcast in Commonwealth countries, including Australia, will be available on the Royal Channel on YouTube.