What to say this weekend? I was sitting in a cafe in Thirsk this afternoon with two Saturday newspapers trying to get inspiration. I have my ordinary services tomorrow morning and afternoon then I’ve put in a special evening service to remember the Queen as it felt wrong we were doing nothing.
A rainbow appeared over Windsor Castle late on Thursday afternoon, Queen Elizabeth’s favourite home. A double rainbow also appeared over Buckingham Palace. It seems appropriate somehow. Perhaps the heavens themselves wanted to mark the passing of this amazing woman. Her public announcements showed she had a genuine faith in Jesus.
“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. 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”
Queen Elizabeth II - 2016 Christmas Speech
There is no doubt that Queen Elizabeth lived an extraordinary life. It was of course one marked by huge privilege. She came to the throne by an accident of birth, and the abdication of her uncle and untimely death of her father.
She was wealthy and privileged. But by those who met her she was universally described to be a humble, charming, engaging human being – both by world leaders and ordinary people alike. It was her sense of being a chosen vessel of God to serve the nations of this world that probably led to that humility and life long sense of duty. As Sir Keir Starmer said on Thursday: “ For seventy years, Elizabeth II stood as the head of our country. But in spirit, she stood amongst us.”
She was not just our Queen but also the head of the Commonwealth, and loved all over the world. It feels strange not to have her here. But I have to say the new King has begun well and spoke last night with warmth and sincerity.
Queen Elizabeth has brought stability to our sense of nationhood. She has brought continuity over all these decades, and has given confidential advice to fifteen prime ministers from Winston Churchill to Liz Truss (who she appointed just 48 hours before she died). She has been our servant and God’s and most of all has shown us Christ. Her sermon on Christmas afternoon will be missed!
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