She said Christmas was an inspiration to reflect on what is important in life.
"It is important to identify what binds us," the Queen said. "We cannot deny our differences but must see them as a starting point for social dialogue... that is the basis for mutual respect."
Queen Beatrix said everyone needs a safe haven and people need to live in harmony because they are part of one society.
"The danger is that society will weaken and the differences will grow," she warned. "Treat others how you would like to be treated yourself."
"By focusing on society as a whole we can overcome fear and mistrust and find a good balance between 'us' and 'them,'" Queen Beatrix stated in her speech which focused on encouragement and courage.
The Dutch monarch said that fear of indeterminable changes leads to unrest and insecurity about the future. She said patience, respect, and solidarity would counterbalance such fear.
The Queen cited some impressive examples of personal courage from World War II. Sixty five years later, it seems to be difficult to make the importance of inner conviction and personal courage more visible. But, again, there are people, far away and sometimes nearby, who come into action where injustice rules, according to the Queen.
The Queen pointed at the danger of concealing what people have in common and of magnifying what is dividing people. "Then walls of suspected differences are being built and standpoints are hardening. It is, however, important to look for the things that bind, and to encourage one another," said the Queen.
"Different points of view obviously belong to an open society. We cannot deny differences, but we should look at them as starting points for a social dialogue. It is not necessary to convince each other to be permissive; that is the basis for mutual respect," according to Queen Beatrix, who wished everyone a blessed Christmas.
The Queen's speech was recorded a few days prior to December 25, and was broadcast on local television and radio on Christmas Day.
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