HRH AAA woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. John 16:21

For only the thrid time in British history, the reigning monarch and three generations of heirs to the throne are alive at the same time.

This follows the birth on Monday 22 July 2013 at 4.24pm of Prince George of Cambridge to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, aka Wills and Kate.

For followers of another Prince, the King of kings, Jesus, the headlines had a familar ring to them…

  • Born to Rule (I)
  • Our Little Prince (The Mirror)
  • A boy, a birth, a prince, a king (The Guardian)
  • A Prince is born (The Times)
  • Woman has baby (Private Eye)

The Sun had the cheek to change it’s moniker to The Son – and that was the headline.

One TV announcer described the event as ‘the birth that went around the world,’ and viewers were shown newscasters from all over the globe announcing the news in their various languages.

HRH BBIn another news item, other babies born around the same time as George were shown, and their parents interviewed. One said that Prince George’s life is ‘all planned out’ – unlike that of her baby, who is subject to the suddenlies, whims and unpredictability that life brings.

A few verses and ponderings…

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

  • Will George, if and when he ascends to the throne, rule – or reign?
  • What’s the difference?
  • Does King Jesus rule or reign?
  • … Rule and reign over who? Over George? In who? In… me?

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14
Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:16

  • The birth of King Jesus was foretold – was his life planned out?
  • The birth of Prince George was foreknown – is his life planned out?HRH CC
  • Are our lives planned out?
  • Are our lives and Prince George’s life equal in this regard?

‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’. Jeremiah 29:11

  • God knows his plans for us – do we know what they are?
  • Are those plans more or less important than those the Lord has for Prince George?
  • Do you think if you were born of a ‘higher station’, you’d have a clearer idea of God’s plan for your life, or not?
  • What obstacles lie in the way of every disciple in hearing and obeying King Jesus?

HRH DD2I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus… 1 Timothy 2:1-5

  • Should Christian republicans pray for the Royal family?
  • Is Jesus, our Lord and King, a monarchist or a republican?
  • How would Jesus vote?
  • Why should we pray for royals, politicians and other public figures we don’t agree with or like?

 

Former Chadwell St Mary curate Julian Gadsby spotted on Sky TV!

JulesSome of you will remember Jules Gadsby who used to be based mainly at Emmanuel in Sleepers Farm Road just off the Brentwood Road (A128) in Chadwell.

He is now vicar in the village of Bucklebury where the Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, hails from. He was interviewed by Sky News during the rather drawn out coverage of the royal birth, with regards to the celebrations in the village.

Jules was also interveiwed on national media on the day of the wedding of Prince William to Kate in April 2011, giving some sound Biblical doctrine on the value of marriage and family as a foundation for a successful society and the opportunity for the Cambridges to model that.

During his time in Chadwell, Jules hosted the monthly ecumenical PURE youth service (the predecessor of UNITE 30/31) on two or three occasions, always with vision, enthusiasm and generosity.

Apologies for quality of photo – taken very hastily!