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Good morning. Tomorrow will be Her Majesty the Queen’s 87th birthday. In Britain, we mark occasions like this with a series of gun salutes at various select locations in London and around the United Kingdom. Firing a row of cannons as a sign of respect may seems a rather odd thing to do. But it all makes sense. The idea is that just as a salute with the hand held open is used to show that no weapon is concealed in the palm, so the firing of a gun indicates the friendly intent of an empty chamber. Mind you, we’re not to expect to see or hear anything tomorrow. Gun salutes - even as gestures of respect - are not fired on Sundays, so the ceremonies will take place on Monday instead.

From what we know of how Her Majesty is thought of, not only in this country but right across the world, it’s clear that Monday’s gun salutes will reflect a very real sense of respect, loyalty and gratitude. Most of us really mean it when we sing ‘God save our gracious Queen’. And from what Her Majesty does and how she chooses to express herself, especially in her Christmas broadcasts, it’s clear that she goes along with it too. All through her life she has been aware of and committed to the God who has constantly been saving her and surrounding her with his loving care.

God of time and eternity, we give you thanks and praise that you have blessed us with Elizabeth our beloved and glorious Queen. As we celebrate her birthday, grant her your gifts of love and joy and peace as she continues in faithful obedience to you, her Lord and God, and in devoted service to those who look to her as their Queen; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.