A QUESTION OF SERVICE

On 6^th February 2012, Her Majesty The Queen celebrates 60 years on the throne. In that time she has seen 12 Prime Ministers, from Winston Churchilll to David Cameron. Much has changed since 1952. Satellites, mobile phones, digital cameras, iPads – the list of new inventions and products is endless. MDF board, for example, dates from the 1980s; the Channel Tunnel was opened in 1994.

Throughout this time, Queen Elizabeth’s conduct and service have been an example to all, and the esteem in which she is held is testimony to her dedication. We thank her and join the cry “God save the Queen”.

Today’s society can sometimes sneer at the ideas of duty and service, yet examples are all around us. Soldiers serve their country; shopkeepers serve their customers. Young people may serve an apprenticeship; others may serve on a committee. We rely on the work of civil servants (even though we grumble when things are not what we want), and use servers to manage our computer data. The underlying themes are of discharging duties and of doing things which benefit others.

Church services are times when worshippers recognise their duty and service to God. At least, that is how it should be. In some churches (not, of course, ours!) people act as though God were involved in running a chain of social clubs, places where they can go for the enjoyment when they feel like it.

True worship is where people acknowledge that God is their Creator, the King of kings. Christians are called to be servants (literally, ‘slaves’) of God’s Son, Jesus Christ. He is their Lord and Master, and they serve him willingly. Christianity is about taking every opportunity to proclaim his message of love and salvation by word of mouth and the quality of our lives. That message – the message of the Christmas angels – is to let Jesus be at the centre of life, and to know his blessings, today and for ever.

Michael Tagent