Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is our second longest
serving monarch after Queen Victoria, who reigned for 63 years. In this year of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
many celebrations are taking place, especially this month. The Coronation was on 2nd June
1953, well over a year after the accession to the throne. Those of you who are
around my age or older probably have memories of the Coronation. I recall a
street party, with games, stalls, and a children’s tea, and I remember taking
part in a fancy dress parade. Like most
children I received a coronation mug! As
time goes by, although we forget some things, certain occasions remain vivid in
our memories. Even so, we may not remember the exact date of an event unless we
can link it to something significant in our own lives. The death of the Queen’s father, King George
VI, happened on 6th February 1952 and I find that date easy to
remember because my brother was born the next day.
The authors of the books of the Bible didn’t record
actual dates, but sometimes they “placed” an event by relating it to something
else. For instance, Isaiah says that he
had a vision of the Lord “in the year that King Uzziah died” (Isaiah 6:1). In
the Old Testament some kings are described as having turned away from the Lord
and are remembered as bad kings; others are held up as examples of good
kingship. It’s all very black and white,
yet human nature is more complex than that.
David is remembered as a great king, yet he did some bad things in his
time. However, David sought forgiveness, and by God’s grace he was able to put
past sins behind him and go on to fulfil his calling from God. All of us, kings, queens and ordinary
citizens, stand in need of God’s forgiveness and this is freely given through
Jesus Christ, our King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We also need God’s strength for the tasks to
which he calls us.
In her Christmas message in 1952 Queen Elizabeth II asked people to pray that God would give her wisdom and strength to carry out the promises that she would be making. In a radio broadcast on the evening of the Coronation the Queen referred to that and went on to say, "Throughout all my life and with all my heart I shall strive to be worthy of your trust.” Many people believe that the Queen has fulfilled that pledge, and we are invited to express our appreciation of her 60 years of service to our Church and country, by signing the “Big Jubilee Thank you”. There will be an opportunity to do this in our parish churches during June. All letters will be combined and delivered to Her Majesty later in the year.
With my love
and prayers
Glynis
Hetherington
