With grateful thanks to all of you that helped
prepare for the special Church Services across the Old Hills Malvern Churches
on the wonderful occasion of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. I also
hope that you will enjoy the long bank holiday weekend in her honour.
It’s a good time to be with family and friends, as well as our neighbours.
Throughout the seventy years of her
record-breaking reign, Queen Elizabeth II has served the United Kingdom and the
Commonwealth with grace, integrity, and wisdom. She has remained upright and
dignified despite experiencing many personal and national tragedies. But what
stands out more than anything during her reign is her deep personal faith in
our Lord Jesus Christ.
At her coronation, Elizabeth spoke
these humble words: “I have chosen this position for myself: God has
appointed me to it. Because He leads, I can follow in complete trust.” As
she has grown older, our Queen has become even bolder in her proclamation of
Jesus. Her Christmas speeches have not only referenced the birth of Christ but
have also offered a gentle evangelistic message. Consider this quote from her
2019 speech: “…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.” Or, what about this from
her 2014 Christmas speech: “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.” Let’s also remember
that the 5th June is also Pentecost Sunday and I’m convinced that
her majesty would not want a celebration of her reign to trump the celebration
of God’s Holy Spirit being poured out on all believers!
I give thanks to God for our Queen,
Elizabeth. Although the British monarchy is less powerful than it once was, I am
sure that our present Queen will be remembered as not only one of our finest
monarchs, but also one of our most influential.
Three cheers for Her Majesty The
Queen!!
Rev Gary Crellin
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the
life and reign of our Queen, Elizabeth II. We thank you for her integrity,
humility, wisdom and resolve. Above all, we thank you for her faith in you, and
in your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.