Queen Elizabeth II
April 21st 1926 – September 8th 2022
As we hear the sad news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, we remember in our prayers, her family, and give thanks for the decades of faithful service which she gave to our nation, inspired by her deep Christian faith.
As the royal baton now passes to her son, King Charles III, we pray for him and remember below the words of wisdom which the Queen shared from her experience of knowing the Lord Jesus as her Saviour and guiding light in her life and reign.
Words from the Queen on her Christian faith
“I know just how much I rely on my own faith to guide me through the good times and the bad. Each day is a new beginning, I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God. Like others of you who draw inspiration from your own faith, I draw strength from the message of hope in the Christian gospel.”
From the Queen’s Christmas message, 2002.
“Although we are capable of great acts of kindness, history teaches us that we sometimes need saving from ourselves – from our recklessness or our greed. God sent into the world a unique person – neither a philosopher nor a general, important though they are, but a Saviour, with the power to forgive… It is my prayer that on this Christmas day we might all find room in our lives for the message of the angels and for the love of God through Christ our Lord.”
From the Queen’s Christmas message, 2011.
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’.
From the Queen’s Christmas message, 2012.
“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.”
From the Queen’s Christmas message, 2013.
“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.”
From the Queen’s Christmas Message, 2014.
“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’… 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.”
From the Queen’s Christmas Message, 2015.
“I have been — and remain — very grateful to you for your prayers and to God for his steadfast love. I have indeed seen his faithfulness.”
Foreword to the Servant Queen.