'Pray for me … that God may give me wisdom and strength to carry out the solemn promises I shall be making, and that I may faithfully serve Him and you, all the days of my life.’

That was the prayer request made by Queen Elizabeth II in her first Christmas broadcast in 1952. Her faith in Jesus Christ had supported her from a young age and went on to be the rock upon which her reign was founded. It was her compass through life, helping her make good, wise decisions and helping her to cope in hard times. As she said in her Christmas broadcast in December 2000: ‘For me the teachings of Christ and my own personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life.’

The Queen was crowned in a deeply symbolic church service devised in AD 973 and including prayers and a service of Holy Communion. The orb, sceptre, ring and crown used in the ceremony each include a cross to symbolise the rule of Jesus Christ over the world. Even though the crown jewels are set with many of the world’s most valuable gems, a Bible is presented during the coronation and described as ‘the most valuable thing that this world affords’.

(cf. https://christianity.org.uk/article/queen-elizabeths-faith)

Paul Bryant
School Lay Chaplain & Head of Theology, Philosophy and Religion
Co-ordinator of SMSC