Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, holds the title of "Defender of the Faith." She will be celebrating her Diamond Jubilee in 2012. She has taken her responsibilities very seriously during her nearly sixty years of rule.
Early in December, 2011, before Prince Philip went into the hospital for heart surgery, she gave her Christmas message for 2011. I was very impressed by what she said. Clearly, she is a defender of the faith that was once delivered unto the saints, for she said, "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.
"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."
How I appreciate this sincere expression of faith from Her Majesty, and I wish more world leaders would be willing to take a stand for Christ and be defenders of the faith in these difficult times.
The queen's message was somewhat evangelistic in tone. I believe God was speaking through her, for the answer is Jesus, no matter what the question. We need the Savior, and His name is Jesus. I pray that as He knocks on the doors of human hearts, people around the world will open their hearts to Him.
