(CNN) -- Britain's Queen Elizabeth II reflected on a year of personal and Olympic celebration in a Christmas message Tuesday that emphasized serving others.
"This past year has been one of great celebration for many," the 86-year-old monarch said in a videotaped message, reflecting on her Diamond Jubilee, which she called "especially memorable for me and my family."
She added: "It was humbling that so many chose to mark the anniversary of a duty which passed to me 60 years ago."
Photos: Diamond Jubilee celebrations
A look back at the Queen's Jubilee year
Her message also cited "a splendid summer of sport" with the London Olympic and Paralympic Games, which she called inspiring and filled with excitement and drama.
Queen Elizabeth II watches the recording of her Christmas message with producer John McAndrew and director John Bennett (R). The speech will be broadcast to the Commonwealth in 3D for the first time in the White Drawing Room of Buckingham Palace.
Photos: Royals' Christmas preps
The queen noted that Christmas celebrates God sending his only son "to serve, not to be served."
"He restored love and service to the center of our lives in the person of Jesus Christ," she said. "It is my prayer this Christmas Day that his example and teaching will continue to bring people together to give the best of themselves in the service of others."
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The queen is greeted by Prime Minister David Cameron as she arrives at Number 10 Downing Street to attend the Government's weekly Cabinet meeting on December 18, 2012. It was a historic occasion because it is thought to mark the first time a monarch has attended such a session since Queen Victoria more than a century ago.
The UK's Prince William and his pregnant wife the Duchess of Cambridge left a London hospital on December 6, 2012, four days after she was admitted for treatment for acute morning sickness. The royal couple are expecting their first child after 19 months of marriage. In a break with tradition, The Cambridges, are spending Christmas Day in Bucklebury, West Berkshire, with the Duchess's family.
The monarch views stacks of gold as she visits the Bank of England with Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on December 13, 2012 in London. The royal couple viewed banknotes, counterfeit currency, a gold vault and met with gold experts while on their visit to the central bank.
Queen Elizabeth II views stacks of gold as she visits the Bank of England with Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on December 13, 2012 in London, England.
Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, speaks alongside young people for the Centrepoint charity at the Royal Albert Hall in London on December 8, 2012. The prince, 30, also met with Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic at the Winter Whites Gala.
Pippa Middleton, the sister of the Duchess of Cambridge, promotes the Dutch edition of her book 'Celebrate: A Year of British Festivities for Families and Friends' to be released in October.
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