Light shines in darkness: Queen

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.

But the Queen 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".

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 at an unknown country location.

The annual Christmas address is written by the Queen and reflects current issues and draws on her own experiences over the past year.

The 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.