Queen Elizabeth II

I awoke this morning to the sad (but not unexpected) news that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was called home to glory, to be with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

"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."

- Queen Elizabeth II, Christmas message, 2014

Queen Elizabeth was an extraordinary woman who served us, our nation, and our Lord Jesus Christ. As someone who had their future hope anchored in Jesus Christ, I can say with confidence that God did indeed save this Queen.

Queen Elizabeth was one of histories longest serving rulers, and also one of the few sincerely Christian world leaders of our time. During World War II she comforted children with radio broadcasts when England was bombed by Nazis, and visited the homes of those who had been hit.

A friend of mine reflected that she lived and reigned through some of histories most terrible catastrophes, and through all of them talked about Jesus. Not only at Christmas and Easter, but with all her life. The Queen's faith was both public, and private. The kindness of God in Jesus was something she shared as far and wide as any evangelist of our time. Her great desire for peace and civility shone through in a century of egoistic dictators, warmongers, and vindictive revolutionaries. As a Queen she will be remembered for a long time. As a friend of Jesus she will live forever. Even as she delights to finally cast off her golden crown before the glassy sea, few have been so worthy of wearing one.

Please join us at Church on Sunday as I lead in prayers thanking God for her humble and faithful service and for upholding her through all those decades.