God Save the Queen!

It's been a weekend of parties--a four-day celebration.  Even I, an introvert, have been to three events over the weekend.  Much celebration was appropriate as Queen Elisabeth II is celebrating serving her country for sixty years.  

On Saturday Christ the Worker Church hosted a Fete with a barbaraque/cook-out.  Allowing myself only a small allowance, I bought a burger, a biscuit/cookie, a cupcake and a piece of Bara Brith--a Welsh Cake.  Bara Brith means speckled bread and one of the ingredients is strong tea.  I avoided the tambola and raffle, as I didn't need any more stuff to sit around the house.

Sunday's church service included a prayer for the Queen:

Prayer for the Queen’s Jubilee

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, now and all the days of her life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

The Big Lunch at St. Mary's

 After the service, tables were set up for a big bring & share meal.  I took spanish rice, which I let cook in the crock-pot/slow cooker.  There was lots of wonderful food--and I sinned largely--overeating.  I was so full, I didn't eat the rest of the day.  

The Queen's Coronation was filmed 59 years ago; a copy of the Cd was projected up on a screen at Christ the Worker & St. Mary's.  Whilst at the barbarque and the bring & share dinner, I watched a video of the Queen's Coronation, which was 2 June 1953.  Queen Elisabeth took the throne in February 1952.  The coronation was held over a year later, as tradition was to post-pone any festivals during the time of mourning for the king or queen who had died.  

The Queen is well loved here in the United Kingdom, and well respected in the Common Wealth.  One of the many events that was aired on television was "All the Queen's Horses."  The hour-and-a-half programme was presented on Sunday night.  Over 500 horses and 1,200 performers from around the world came to "prance and dance" to honour the Queen.  Acts came from Canada, the USA, Chili, Mexico, Greece, Russia, France, Italy, Kenya, South Africa and of course, the UK.  

Watching the show I could only think of how heaven will be when people from every tribe and tongue present their crowns before Jesus, our Saviour, our King.  Heaven will be filled with singing, dancing, all colours and dress as we express our love to Him.  

Some people think that monarchy is out-dated, too costly, and pointless.  But I see monarchy as a relfection of the Kingdom of God.  Whereas elected officials come and go, a monarch can rule for life.  The Queen is a symbol for our country, as well as a leader.  Just as the Prime Minister and Parlement serve under her guidance, Jesus is our King.  The church does have a structure--Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers--who and serve under His leadership.  

I admire the Queen, because in her 60 years on the throne, she has kept her personal integrity--even though her children and grandchildren have often been caught out by the press for scandals.  I also admire the Queen, because she is not afraid to confess her Christian faith and has been guided by her faith.  

The Queen has pledged to serve Great Britian and the Common Wealth until her dying day.  She has been a symbol of stability, perseverence, and belief during both prosperty and recession.  She has set a standard of integrity that should be emulated by her subjects.  

The British National Athem is actually a prayer:  "God save our gracious Queen."  I believe that her long reign as the head of state is because she has always sought to serve, rather than be served.  I believe that God has kept her healthy, strong and clear-minded because she has been motivated to keep the vows she made at her coronation--to her people, but more importantly to God.  

As many others do, I pray she has many more years of life.  

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,

"Lady Helene"