The last night of the Proms (an eight-week summer season of daily orchestral classical music concerts held mainly at the Royal Albert Hall in London) traditionally ends with Edward Elgar’s ‘Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1’, with ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ being sung by the large audience, followed by Thomas Arne’s ‘Rule Britannia’, the hymn ‘Jerusalem‘ (which Flanders and Swann once ironically called England’s unofficial national anthem!) and the national anthem. It is often thought to be a celebration of English greatness.
To be honest, I am uncomfortable with the nationalistic fervour such songs evoke (and definitely don’t believe Jesus’ feet trod on England’s ‘green and pleasant land.’) We live in a multi-cultural society and are witnessing a great shaking of all nations at present which can cause us to become apprehensive and even fearful. Yet at the same time, God’s Word reassures us that He is still in control, reigning and ruling in majesty, even though nations may plot against him (see Psalm 2). I prefer Tim Hughes’ ‘Hope and Glory‘:
‘Hear our cry, Oh King of heaven,
Jesus, hope to every heart.
We are lost without Your glory. We are lost without you, God.
Flames of love that purify.
Send the power and Your salvation;
Let us see Your kingdom come.
Only You can move the mountains.
Only You can heal our land.
Christ alone our hope and glory,
Christ alone: in You we stand.
Turn Your eyes and show us mercy,
How we need Your Father’s love.
Lead us home and out of darkness
With Your gospel burning bright.
Only You can move the mountains.
Only You can heal our land
Christ alone our hope and glory
Christ alone: in You we stand.
We believe our God is mighty.
We believe our God is here.
We believe our King is coming.
Christ alone: in You we stand
Praise the Lord: our God is mighty.
Praise the Lord: our God is here.
Praise the Lord: our King is coming.
Christ alone: in You we stand.’ (‘Hope And Glory’, Tim Hughes)
