The Queen’s Speech 2011 – Our Nation’s Evangelist?

Like many millions across the Commonwealth and around the world I just about stayed awake after our family Christmas lunch to watch the Queen’s Christmas speech. You can read the full text here http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16328899  however I couldn’t help wondering if she might just be our Nation’s evangelist? Whilst many speeches and sermons are reported over this Christmas period this is one you don’t want to miss. After identifying with people facing so many struggles and issues she concluded by pointing us to Jesus, the Saviour of the world and invited us to make Him the centre of our Christmas and lives.

THE QUEEN’S CHRISTMAS SPEECH 2011 (concluding words)

“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.

In the last verse of this beautiful carol, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, there’s a prayer:

O Holy Child of Bethlehem,

Descend to us we pray.

Cast out our sin

And enter in.

Be born in us today.

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.

I wish you all a very happy Christmas.”

THE FULL VIDEO VERSION