Queen Elizabeth II
At a time of national mourning, we are both sad but also grateful for the life and example of HRH Queen Elizabeth II. This article looks at three characteristics from her life that may provide some encouragement and comfort as you grapple with the news that fills our screens.
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It is with a mixture of sadness and gratitude that I write this article at the time of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Our thoughts and prayers are with His Majesty the King and all the Royal Family at this time.
“...she was such a warm and comforting figure who was a consistent presence through the thick and thin of life”
The Queen has been part of our lives, all our life. She was the Sovereign of our country. The defender of the faith. The head of the Church of England, and with the deepest respect, ‘the Grandmother I never met’, because she was such a warm and comforting figure who was a consistent presence through the thick and thin of life. Through wars, terror attacks, pandemics, economic instability, political uncertainty, she was a voice of hope. What an inspiration. What a faithful witness and ambassador of Christ she was in our generation.
Very fitting then that the Church of England has given everyone the opportunity to write a tribute in this online book of condolence, or go into their local church to write in a physical book of condolence (you can find a church near you here).
This article is simply another voice in the great chorus of tributes that are being penned, published, or posted, and will continue to be in the days, weeks and even years to come. By using the Queen’s Christmas broadcasts I wanted to highlight three things which I think will be an encouragement to us.
1.She made the most of the opportunities she had
2.She confessed her faith in Jesus
3.She proclaimed the good news of Jesus
Aren’t these some of the tasks of every Christian? In whatever context we find ourselves in, to make the most of the opportunities in front of us, to confess our faith publicly and hold out an invitation for others to find Jesus too? This surely is what we read in the pages of the New Testament as well.
I looked at the transcripts of the last 10 years of Christmas broadcasts written and delivered by Queen Elizabeth. I see these features present in every speech (and sometimes ‘preach’). Have a look below:
Christmas 2021
“His birth marked a new beginning. As the carol says, “The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight”
Confession of faith: ‘It is this simplicity of the Christmas story that makes it so universally appealing: simple happenings that formed the starting point of the life of Jesus — a man whose teachings have been handed down from generation to generation, and have been the bedrock of my faith’
Proclamation of good news: ‘His birth marked a new beginning. As the carol says, “The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight”’
Christmas 2020
Proclamation of good news: ‘Jesus touched on this (theme) with the parable of the Good Samaritan. The man who is robbed and left at the roadside is saved by someone who did not share his religion or culture. This wonderful story of kindness is still as relevant today…’
Confession of faith: ‘…Good Samaritans have emerged across society showing care and respect for all, regardless of gender, race or background, reminding us that each one of us is special and equal in the eyes of God. The teachings of Christ have served as my inner light, as has the sense of purpose we can find in coming together to worship’
Christmas 2019
“The teachings of Christ have served as my inner light, as has the sense of purpose we can find in coming together to worship’ ”
Confession of faith: ‘…at the heart of the Christmas story lies the birth of a child: a seemingly small and insignificant step overlooked by many in Bethlehem. But in time, through his teaching and by his example, Jesus Christ would show the world how small steps taken in faith and in hope can overcome long-held differences and deep-seated divisions to bring harmony and understanding. Many of us already try to follow in his footsteps…’
Proclamation of good news: ‘…As Christmas dawned, church congregations around the world joined in singing It Came Upon the Midnight Clear. Like many timeless carols, it speaks not just of the coming of Jesus Christ into a divided world, many years ago, but also of the relevance, even today, of the angels’ message of peace and goodwill.’
Christmas 2018
“I believe his message of peace-on-earth and goodwill-to-all is never out of date. It can be heeded by everyone. It’s needed as much as ever.’ ”
Proclamation of good news: ‘The Christmas story retains its appeal since it doesn’t provide theoretical explanations for the puzzles of life. Instead it’s about the birth of a child and the hope that birth -- 2,000 years ago -- brought to the world…’
Confession of faith: ‘Only a few people acknowledged Jesus when he was born. Now billions follow him. I believe his message of peace-on-earth and goodwill-to-all is never out of date. It can be heeded by everyone. It’s needed as much as ever.’
Christmas 2017
Proclamation of good news: ‘We remember the birth of Jesus Christ whose only sanctuary was a stable in Bethlehem. He knew rejection, hardship and persecution’
Confession of faith: ‘…and yet it is Jesus Christ’s generous love and example which has inspired me through good times and bad.’
Christmas 2016
Proclamation of good news: ‘At Christmas, our attention is drawn to the birth of a baby some two thousand years ago. It was the humblest of beginnings, and his parents, Joseph and Mary, did not think they were important. Jesus Christ lived obscurely for most of his life, and never travelled far. He was maligned and rejected by many, though he had done no wrong.’
“Christ’s example helps me see the value of doing small things with great love”
Confession of faith: ‘…And yet, billions of people now follow his teaching and find in him the guiding light for their lives. I am one of them because Christ’s example helps me see the value of doing small things with great love, whoever does them and whatever they themselves believe.’
Proclamation of good news: ‘The message of Christmas reminds us that inspiration is a gift to be given as well as received, and that love begins small but always grows.’
Christmas 2015
“Despite being displaced and persecuted throughout his short life, Christ’s unchanging message was not one of revenge or violence but simply that we should love one another..’”
Proclamation of good news: ‘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…’
Confession of faith: ‘…The custom of topping a tree also goes back to Prince Albert's time. For his family's tree, he chose an angel, helping to remind us that the focus of the Christmas story is on one particular family. For Joseph and Mary, the circumstances of Jesus's birth -- in a stable – were far from ideal, but worse was to come as the family was forced to flee the country. It’s no surprise that such a human story still captures our imagination and continues to inspire all of us who are Christians, the world over’
Proclamation of good news: ‘Despite being displaced and persecuted throughout his short life, Christ's unchanging message was not one of revenge or violence but simply that we should love one another..’
Christmas 2014
Confession of faith: ‘For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, whose birth we celebrate today, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life. A role-model of reconciliation and forgiveness, he stretched out his hands in love, acceptance and healing. Christ’s example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people of whatever faith or none.’
Proclamation of good news: ‘Sometimes it seems that reconciliation stands little chance in the face of war and discord. But, as the Christmas truce a century ago reminds us, peace and goodwill have lasting power in the hearts of men and women. On that chilly Christmas Eve in 1914 many of the German forces sang “Silent Night”, its haunting melody inching across the line. That carol is still much-loved today, a legacy of the Christmas truce, and a reminder to us all that even in the unlikeliest of places hope can still be found.’
Christmas 2013
Proclamation of good news: ‘For Christians, as for all people of faith, reflection, meditation and prayer help us to renew ourselves in God’s love, as we strive daily to become better people. The Christmas message shows us that this love is for everyone. There is no one beyond its reach.’
Confession of faith: ‘On the first Christmas, in the fields above Bethlehem, as they sat in the cold of night watching their resting sheep, the local shepherds must have had no shortage of time for reflection. Suddenly all this was to change. These humble shepherds were the first to hear and ponder the wondrous news of the birth of Christ - the first noel - the joy of which we celebrate today’.
Christmas 2012
“What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; if I were a wise man, I would do my part’. The carol gives the answer, ‘Yet what I can I give him – give my heart’.”
Confession of faith: ‘At Christmas I am always struck by how the spirit of togetherness lies also at the heart of the Christmas story. A young mother and a dutiful father with their baby were joined by poor shepherds and visitors from afar. They came with their gifts to worship the Christ child. From that day on he has inspired people to commit themselves to the best interests of others.
Proclamation of good news: This is the time of year when we remember that God sent his only son 'to serve, not to be served'. He restored love and service to the centre of our lives in the person of Jesus Christ. 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. The carol, 'In the Bleak Midwinter', ends by asking a question of all of us who know the Christmas story, of how God gave himself to us in humble service: 'What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; if I were a wise man, I would do my part'. The carol gives the answer, 'Yet what I can I give him – give my heart'.
So what does this all mean for us? Well, primarily I hope it serves as an inspiration to you. Often when I see others living faithfully and courageously for Jesus, it inspires me on. A bit like the great cloud of witnesses. Their example of courageous faith is an enormous source of help and strength. But perhaps this also serves as a reminder to each of us to:
1.Make the most of the opportunities in front of you
Just like Queen Elizabeth, she made the most of the opportunities in front of her to be salt and light in the world. To be a hope bringer. She was clearly a prayerful woman, which was even depicted in the Netflix series, ‘The Crown’.
Are we living our lives in the light of God’s love for us in Christ? What about those business ventures, those promptings of the Holy Spirit to step out in faith and trust. Are we listening to those and responding, or are we shrinking back in fear? Are we running the race with perseverance that has been marked out for us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus? (cf. Hebrews 12.1-3).
2.Confess your faith in Jesus
Queen Elizabeth didn’t shy away from sharing her faith in Christ. Everyone knew that she was a Christian. What about us? Are we open about our faith with our friends, family, colleagues. Not in a forced or unnatural way, but in a very real, authentic and honest way, just like the Queen.
When I have spoken to others about my faith in Jesus as part of a natural conversation, I have found that my faith expanded and I found myself becoming even more committed and courageous. There was something about the act of speaking about my faith in Jesus that released a new boldness. Often I have come away with a new joy or love in my heart for God and the world as a result of simply confessing the faith I have in Jesus.
3.Proclaim the good news of Jesus
This is such a tricky one for many of us especially because we live in such a complex and ambiguous world. We don’t want to offend anyone or appear to be strange or burn any relational bridges. So the chances are, we stay silent and pray rather helpless prayers.
I loved how the Queen just stated truths from the bible and from Hymns too. She held out what she believed to be the truth as communicated through God’s word in the bible; so necessary, especially as there is such a spiritual openness in our society. According to the recent ‘Talking Jesus’ research, one in three of our contacts want to know about our faith. This is exciting news. We have an opportunity in front of us to creatively hold out the good news of Jesus in a fresh, authentic and honest way on our channels, amongst our contacts and with our connections in this generation.
God bless the Royal family in this time. God bless the commonwealth. God bless you as you respond to the news of the death of HRH Queen Elizabeth II, and God save the King.
