Perhaps the key event this month is the Coronation of King Charles III, and whether you're a monarchist or not, it will be an historic event full of pomp and circumstance. On the website of the Archbishop of Canterbury it says “At [the Coronation's] centre is a Christian service in which His Majesty will be anointed as King. It will be rooted in longstanding tradition and Christian symbolism.” If you want an in-depth look at the traditions and symbolisms in the Coronation service, I would recommend the YouTube channel of my friend Dr Allan Barton ( @allanbarton ).
As we watch the Coronation we may miss the symbolism unless the commentators point it out. Though even the Teachers' notes on “Coronation: Values and Symbols” produced by the Historic Royal Palaces says very little about the actual symbolism!! Some of the symbolism will be referred to in the words spoken, but other symbols will just be visual – for example the cross will be a very common symbol seen on the orb, sceptre and crown, and also as King Charles is anointed (which we may not see) a cross will be draw with the oil on his hands, chest and head.
The Coronation could be seen as a projection of the power of the monarchy (though these days that power is itself more symbolic than actual), but the prevalence of the Christian symbolism in the service helps to put that power into context. When Queen Elizabeth II was anointed the following words were said “And as Solomon was anointed king by Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet, so be thou anointed, blessed and consecrated Queen over the peoples, whom the Lord thy God hath given thee to rule and govern, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.” The Coronation is not a civic ceremony, but rather a religious service for setting apart a person for a holy office – a divinely appointed position. The monarch is therefore accountable to God for the way they rule and govern.
And so the symbolism is often reminding the monarch of their duty to God and also of their need for his help. When the robe is given these words are said “Receive this imperial robe, and the Lord your God endue you with knowledge and wisdom, with majesty and with power from on high: the Lord clothe you with the robe of righteousness and with garments of salvation. Amen.” The Orb set under the cross is a reminder that the whole world is subject to the power and empire of Jesus our Redeemer and the sceptres represent kingly power and justice through Christ, and equity and mercy through the Holy Spirit (symbolised by the dove). And amidst all the gold and precious stones, King Charles will be given the Bible as his guide and “the most valuable thing that this world affords.”
Another special day this month is Ascension Day when we remember Jesus returning to be with his Father after his death and Resurrection, and receiving all authority in heaven and on earth as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. It is under Jesus' kingship that King Charles rules, and Jesus' kingship is supremely demonstrated in the cross: a life laid down for others.
You can listen to the sermon I preached at our Group Service for the Coronation on Sunday 30th April 2023 here:
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