For those expecting a review of the 1992 film of the same name, errr … you’re in the wrong place.
It’s a Saturday night. My first born daughter is safely tucked into her bed making her way to the land of nod. I have me drink at the ready and little snack as well in preparation for Match of the Day. Before it comes on TV screen BBC1 is showing the latter stages of The Last Night of the Proms (click the link to find out more).
As I watch the attendants at the Royal Albert Hall decked out in their finest garb with their Union Jack flags and all the pomp and ceremony of a time to celebrate being British I have mixed feelings. Let me get the negative ones out of the way first.
America and Britain, indeed quite a number of countries have those who are fervent about national identity. Hearing Land of Hope and Glory, Rule Britannia and God Save The Queen reminds me of that patriotic fervour. What it also sounds like as well is idolatry. For Queen and Country surely is at odds with pledging allegiance to the King of Kings. It’s one thing to respect the authorities over us, praying for their wellbeing and seeking righteousness in their rule, and it’s something completely different to laud the achievements of the country and hailing its greatness.
That element of patriotism has always been troubling to me. Countries are like people, they have the good, the bad and the ugly. Any significant achievement can always be counterbalanced with an atrocity. Such claims of pride in national identity can also be something used to claim superiority to others and it’s no wonder people get all arrogant about expecting those who come to their shores to acclimatise and become like them.
I don’t mind someone claiming to be ‘proud’ of being British, or American, or Jamaican, or Glaswegian, or a New Yorker, or a Londoner. That’s there call – it’s there identity. I know a lot of what describes me as a person relates to my social, national and local heritage. There is much to celebrate about that. It is where this takes on a status beyond appreciation that I get nervous. I get nervous watching scenes like Last Night of the Proms for that reason and I know Brits who still hanker for the days of Empire and cling onto anything that reinforces greatness and glory. As someone whose identity is now based on Jesus Christ whose authority is not centred on national identity, but Kingdom identity, this just appears at odds – there is a clash.
On the positive side, however, there is room for genuine joy at such social gatherings. It isn’t all that often that there is a chance for people to get together and be festive. To see such a gathering of people rejoicing and cheering full of positive vibes is reminiscent of the what you’re expecting from celebrating church life. The appearance of bonhomie and unison in harmony is a picture of humanity at its best. I get a glimpse of what it might be like to celebrate the Lord Jesus Christ at His appearing. For those glimpses alone, I’m grateful.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
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