As the Queen becomes the longest reigning monarch in British history, The Christian Institute takes a look at her steadfast faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
She has often used her traditional Christmas message to speak of forgiveness, Jesus’ sacrificial life, the fact that no one is beyond God’s love and the example that she herself takes from Jesus.
Last year the Queen said: “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.
Service
“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.”
In 2012 she highlighted that Christmas is the time of year when we remember “that God sent his only son ‘to serve, not to be served'”.
“He restored love and service to the centre of our lives in the person of Jesus Christ”, she added.
Forgive
The previous year she said: “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.”
Libby Purves, writing in The Times earlier this week, also noted the Queen’s consistent comments on her faith.
Example
Purves picked up on comments she made back in 2000 when she told the Commonwealth: “For me the teachings of Christ and my own personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life.
God sent his only son ‘to serve, not to be served’
Her Majesty the Queen
“I, like so many of you, have drawn great comfort in difficult times from Christ’s words and example.”
Today Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II surpasses Queen Victoria as the longest reigning monarch in Britain – having been on the throne for 63 years and seven months.
Over that period, there have been twelve British Prime Ministers from Winston Churchill to David Cameron and twelve American Presidents, stretching back to Harry S Truman.