One of the key features of the Queen's reign has been the way in which she has spoken of her Christian faith, often most clearly in her Christmas messages.
In her 2011 Christmas Message she said:
“Finding hope in adversity is one of the themes of Christmas. Jesus was born into a world full of fear. The angels came to frightened shepherds with hope in their voices: 'Fear not', they urged, 'we bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
'For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour who is Christ the Lord.'
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.
Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Christian faith. It can heal broken families, it can restore friendships and it can reconcile divided communities. It is in forgiveness that we feel the power of God's love.
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.”
The Rev Christopher Woods, Secretary of the Liturgical Commission and National Worship Adviser, has said: “The fact that Her Majesty has been our Queen for 60 years and is still full of enthusiasm and joy is the occasion for a great deal of celebration and thanksgiving to God.
"To this end, the Church of England is delighted to compile prayers, both traditional and modern, to be used in church services in 2012: on Monday, February 6, to celebrate The Queen’s accession to the throne; on Sunday, June 3, during the Jubilee weekend; and at other times during the year.”
The Diamond Jubilee Prayer reads: God of time and eternity, whose Son reigns as servant, not master; we give you thanks and praise that you have blessed this Nation, the Realms and Territories with ELIZABETH, our beloved and glorious Queen. In this year of Jubilee, grant her your gifts of love and joy and peace as she continues in faithful obedience to you, her Lord and God and in devoted service to her lands and peoples, and those of the Commonwealth, now and all the days of her life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Tim Hughes - Light Of The World.
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