Silver Jubilee

In Britain this is Silver Jubilee Year, the 25th year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. These have been momentous years, years of change and perplexity for Britain and for the world. Throughout this period the Queen has carried her heavy burden of responsibility with dignity and grace, and has firmly established herself in the affections of her peoples.

1977 will be a year of grave challenge for Britain. The inflationary spiral has yet to be brought under control and the spectre of even higher unemployment remains a haunting prospect. No doubt, in this climate celebrations during Jubilee Year will be low key and not on the scale which would be appropriate in more prosperous times.

February 6 is the actual day of the accession and it is understood that the Queen plans to spend that day quietly at Windsor. But there is little doubt that congratulations and good wishes will flow to Britain from all parts of the Commonwealth and of the world. All will wish Her Majesty good health and prosperity in the onerous role she is called upon to play by reason of her high office. The Queen and Prince Philip plan to leave on February 9 for a two-month tour of New Zealand and Australia. The Royal Family are no strangers to such challenges but the strain of day by day official engagements under the glare of television cameras must be considerable. Christians everywhere will uphold the Royal couple by prayer for a successful tour and a safe return.

The high point in the celebrations in London will be on bank holiday June 7, when the Queen and Prince Philip will take part in a carriage procession from Buckingham Palace. They will then lunch with the Lord Mayor. It would be a happy outcome of Jubilee Year if it were marked, not only by a display of loyalty and affection for Her Majesty, but also by a spiritual awakening among her subjects. Political measures are important and necessary, but above all, Britain's predicament calls for national humiliation and a turning to God in this crucial hour. This would have a transforming effect and bring untold blessing. In the 'permissive' society which has become the norm in so many Western lands we Christians dare not be complacent. We can best serve our fellow men by the example of a sober life-style, by faithful witness and by earnest prayer for the progress of the gospel. This is the only effective means of arresting the spiritual decline which has brought such disastrous consequences. History demonstrates that

"Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people" (Prov. 14:34).

Middle East moves

The situation in the Middle East has continued in stalemate owing to the prolonged civil war in the Lebanon. There are signs that events may now be moving towards a pacification of the area, and recently Egypt and Syria have given evidence of a desire for realistic negotiations with Israel. There has been a qualified response from the Israeli government but the present political disarray in Israel, where a General Election is pending in May, could defer any meaningful developments.

Now that the new President of the United States, Mr Jimmy Carter, has moved into the White House, and a new Secretary of State has taken office, a fresh U.S.A. initiative in Middle East affairs is expected by both Jews and Arabs. Due to the civil war in the Lebanon there is obscurity about P.L.O. leadership and aspirations but this vital factor in any real settlement of the region will need to be faced. It seems to be accepted that 1977 will bring some settlement of the Middle East problem. Israel has indicated her willingness to cede occupied territory but only on condition that her new borders will be guaranteed. But so many world problems are competing for solution that no-one can f6resee the shape of things to come. The sheet-anchor of the Christian is that God is over all, and that all things are "working to fulfil, counsels of His sovereign will".

"Truth in the inward parts" (Psa. 51:6)

"Search me, 0 God, my actions try,

And let my life appear

As seen by Thine all-searching eye.

Search all my thoughts, the secret springs,

The motives that control,

The chambers where polluted things

Hold empire o'er the soul."

unknown | Feb 1977
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