Every year, in the afternoon on Christmas day, a message is aired on the television & national radio directly from Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth to the people she serves. The royal website states:
The establishment of the Christmas Broadcast as an annual tradition creates a sense of continuity for many. Though each year’s theme is chosen by The Queen and reflects her own interests, it is always motivated by compassion and concern for her people.
For The Queen, the Broadcast is not only a duty to be fulfilled, it is an opportunity to speak directly to the public, to react to their concerns and to thank and reassure them. In this way, the Christmas Broadcast helps to reinforce The Queen’s role as a focus for national unity.
After recording the broadcast ahead of time, she spends Christmas day with her close family at Sandringham House, her personal residence in Norfolk. She also attends the local church in Sandringham with her family on Christmas day.
Let’s pray:
‘Shepherds were in the fields near Bethlehem. They were taking turns watching their flock during the night. An angel from the Lord suddenly appeared to them. The glory of the Lord filled the area with light, and they were terrified.
The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid! I have good news for you, a message that will fill everyone with joy. Today your Saviour, Christ the Lord, was born in David’s city. This is how you will recognize him: You will find an infant wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:8-12 GW
‘Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.’ Psalm 31:24 NKJV
We thank you, heavenly Father, for the encouragement that the message of hope that the angels brought. Just like the shepherds on the night, we celebrate the birth of Jesus. We are so grateful that it was a message of great joy for all people everywhere. Thank you for sending us Jesus to bring hope to the world.
In a world where hope is so desperately needed in every corner of the world, we do so need hope Lord. As we watch the news of natural disasters, famines, and people who have carried out evil against their fellow man, we pray for great healing and hope to be restored. As we hear rumours of wars, personal tragedies and listen to how lives have been changed through different circumstances, we know hope is needed more than ever before.
We thank you for the years that Her Majesty has broadcast her Christmas message to those she serves. We are amazed by how much she talks about her faith in Jesus and the Christmas story each year. For this we give much thanks and praise, you get all the glory. We are indeed a blessed nation because of her faith.
We thank you that those who hear the speech of Her Majesty this Christmas would be strengthened and seek you just as the wise men did. We pray you would give courage to those who feel weak, disempowered, lonely and are hurting this year. Most of all, we pray you would give each person hope – a hope that does not disappoint but comes from our Heavenly Father, Almighty God. We thank you for all the prayers of Her Majesty for the nations she serves around the world.
“May you be filled with the wonder of Mary, the obedience of Joseph, the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the determination of the magi, and the peace of the Christ child. And the blessing of the holy and undivided Trinity be upon you this night and remain with you forever.”
Christmas Benediction taken from 24-7prayer.com
Amen.
Related information:
There is a book published by Bible Society, HOPE and LICC which uses her own words from within Christmas broadcasts to draw out her Christian faith. It includes a foreword by The Queen also.
Buy the Book: The Servant Queen and the King she serves
Related posts:
Sandringham House for Christmas
Head of the State of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Head of the Nation of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
The Lord’s Prayer for the British Royal Family