This month sees the coronation of our new monarch, King Charles III. Amidst all the bunting, flag waving and general excitement will be some strong symbolism. Placed at the heart of all the pageantry, music and solemnity are reminders of the Christian foundation of our nation. For example, the Orb has a cross at the top of it, symbolising the Christian world. The oil to be used in the anointing ceremony has come from the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. King Charles has become Head of the Church of England, saying at his accession that he held a deep Christian faith.
However, I am also reminded that all of us, from kings to those living in desperate situations are just human, with all our faults and ultimate mortality. All of us need someone bigger, the King of Kings, to help us through life. Some of us recognise this. Some don’t yet know or aren’t sure. Others chose to reject the whole notion of God. But I know that I can rely on him. He is my Rock, my Redeemer (Psalm 19). He is Lord and Saviour.
What does this mean for me? It gives me royal status and a responsibility. The apostle Peter wrote that we are ‘a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession’. Our royal mission? To ‘declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light’! (1 Peter 2:9). So I invite you to come and join the biggest royal family on Earth!