What are we celebrating?

There are congratulations and celebrations in the air around Sheffield. The Blades are back in the Premier League, the Owls and the Tykes may be promoted too. Next weekend the nation will pause to crown Charles as our king in a grand and memorable coronation celebration.

Yesterday one of my friends wore a T-shirt that proclaimed “You Are What You Love.” It grabbed my attention, and my first reaction was “oh, you mean I’m chocolate!?” She laughed and explained that who and what we worship fundamentally shapes our hearts. We may think we’re in control, but we are not often aware of how much culture shapes us. We become like what we love.

I wonder, what or who, is king of your heart?

In Sheffield, football is a god of sorts. I could hear the goal celebrations some miles away from Bramhall Lane this week, as fans chanted and worshiped their team’s success. King Charles and the Royal Family don’t seem to be especially popular anymore. I suspect that our street parties over the coronation weekend will be more about community spirit, than celebrating Charles III.

So who, or what has top place in your affection and attention?

Faith ought to be central, the sure and certain hope that there is more to life than this. Faith is fundamental to being human, it is a soul issue. Our region’s Muslim community have just marked Eid al-Fitr, when they are encouraged to forgive. The Christian festival of Easter is similar.

People with faith shape their lives and affections around Godly priorities. Often at great personal cost (like fasting during Ramadan or Lent) and undoubtedly with great personal gain.

The bible says “This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.” (1 John 4:9-11)

Knowing this deep down is better than the endorphin hit of football or any other addiction.

The final scene of Queen Elizabeth’s funeral saw her orb and sceptre lifted away from her and returned to the altar of St George’s Chapel, after which she was laid to rest. It is a powerful symbol that even for our monarch, their power and authority is temporary, and granted to them under God. Ultimately, it is the recognition that Jesus is “the only Sovereign, the King of kings.” (! Timonthy 6:15).

That is something worth celebrating.