Dear Friends,

This month, at Remembrance time, we focus on our armed forces, especially those on active service, and the injured, and those who have lost their lives – and of course the families of all of these.

Have you noticed how often the word ‘royal’ is used in this context? Our Navy is the ‘Royal Navy’; the same word is used for the Air Force, and many units of the Army. It’s not only the forces themselves: the ‘Royal British Legion’ bears the title too. And this year it’s been awarded to Wootton Bassett, in recognition of the way the town saluted the fallen.

So what does the word ‘royal’ mean, in all these titles? It’s a mark of honour from the sovereign on behalf of the nation. By calling an entity ‘royal’, they’re saying that it occupies a unique and valued place in the life of the kingdom.

The fighting forces themselves are ‘royal’, because they’re trained and dedicated for the defence of the kingdom. The British Legion is ‘royal’ because of the importance of caring for ex-service personnel and their families; such people are a valued part of the kingdom, as much as those currently serving. And Wootton Bassett is called ‘royal’ for its simple yet profound gesture towards those who were killed; they too are important members of the kingdom, and have been welcomed back to this country with honour. Our kingdom embraces all, and values all: not only the active, but the disadvantaged, and even those whose mortal lives are over.

At least, that’s the ideal. Of course no earthly kingdom lives up to this, but it’s a pointer to one that does: the Kingdom of God. That kingdom spans both earth and heaven. It includes those who are currently ‘fighting the good fight’ here on earth. It embraces those who can no longer live an active life, plus all who care for them. It extends to those whose worldly strife is over, plus the saints who (like the people of Wootton Bassett) welcome them as they come back home.

In God’s Kingdom, the Sovereign knows and values each individual. Every one has been singled out for honour, and all bear the title of ‘royal’.