God Save the King
I recorded and then watched the magnificent and regal ceremonies of Prince Charles III’s coronation. We, Americans, though we have plenty of pomp and circumstance at various and important occasions, don’t hold a candle to what took place yesterday.
Charles became king the moment Queen Elizabeth died so the coronation yesterday was more symbolic in a solemn religious service that acknowledged the new king’s role as both the head of state and head of the Church of England.
King Charles and Queen Camilla travelled to Westminster Abbey from Buckingham Palace in the golden carriage. I was enamored by the regal production — from the choir’s heavenly music to the ceremony itself, it was a sight to behold.
I loved the young choir boy who greeted the king with: “Your Majesty. As children of the Kingdom of God, we welcome you in the name of the King of Kings.”
And, King Charles replied: “In His name and after His example, I came not to be served, but to serve.”
Then the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby, proclaimed: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you. Alleluia! Christ is risen. We are gathered to offer worship and praise to our mighty God to celebrate the life of our nation; to pray for Charles, our king; to recognize and to give thanks for his life of service to this nation, the royals and the commonwealth and to witness with joy his anointing and crowning. He is being set apart and consecrated for the service of his people.”
King Charles’ oath was different in that instead of only the Church of England, he acknowledged all faiths.
The Archbishop anointed King Charles with a cross on the forehead, chest and hands with holy oil to show that the king has been chosen by God. That sacred moment was barred from the cameras.
He was crowned with the solid gold, 17th Century St. Edward’s Crown. Queen Camilla was crowned with Queen Mary’s Crown. The congregation sang Britain’s National Anthem, “God Save the King”.
We pray Godspeed to King Charles and Queen Camilla. And I pray Godspeed to you, my readers, and me today. After all, we, too, are royalty and crown-bearers as children in God’s family. Psalm 8:5 says – “Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor.”
Royalty doesn’t speak “commoner” language. Royalty comes with great responsibility. We represent the Royal Family — God’s Family. Our responsibility is to live our lives as examples of God’s language of love, forgiveness, gentleness, kindness, and peace, as well as sharing all of that with others so that they, too, will know they are also royal children of God.
So, Your Royal Highnesses, lift your heads up high and your words and posture be as royalty in the Kingdom of God!
“He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly. To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?” — Micah 6:8