One day ago, I posted a link to a short video (without comment as I felt the video and its important message would best speak for itself) titled: “Operation Raise the Colours” (see here) on my Facebook page. One comment received, in stark contrast to the sort of jingoism that might have been stirred up in some wanting to see the British (or St. George’s) flag displayed, made me think. As for the “far right” old dears shown in the meme accompanying this blog, I expect they are typical in wanting to expressing their feelings in the light of the nonsense we are being being subjected to by those in power, intent on taking the UK down a disastrous path …

“This “Christian” nationalism is and always was, verging on idolatry. It is an implicit racist statement that denies the very basis of the Gospel. The early church proclaimed Christ for all nations and unites believers across the world into a holy nation whose citizenship is in heaven”. The comment was posted in response by a respected Christian friend and while I get the concern when nationalistic fervour is stirred up, as indeed is happening as seen in many stories of Union flags being waved, sometimes in contravention to the wishes of those in authority, despite all too often them allowing Palestinian, Pakistani and Pride flags, got me thinking. As for the theological implications and the culture wars that is raging more than beneath the surface, not so much between the left and the so called far right but more between which of the notions of globalism or nationalism ought to be followed, I will get to, for this is at the heart of the message that I wish to share …

But back to the video. The blurb that went with it read: “Operation Raise the Colours is more than a call—it’s a declaration. At this moment in our nation’s history, we are lifting the ancient banner of faith, heritage, and hope. This is not just about a flag, but about who we are and what we stand for. Let the colours fly as a sign that Britain still has a destiny under God.” While I am not naïve enough to expect a wholescale return to God in a biblical sense, given the multi-cultural nature of British society, I, along with many, long for a revival in authentic religion, especially as I see this as Britain’s ONLY hope of a way out of the mess it is in.

In addition to these thoughts are those of Veronika West, who I consider as an authentic prophetic voice who understands the times. In her posting titled: “UK: Can A Nation or Flag be Repaired?” (see here), she writes something that strongly resonates with my thinking: “OPERATION RAISE THE COLOURS” has begun in the UK…and it’s ruffling more than feathers… This grassroots Patriotic Movement is gaining ground….and I believe what is taking place is a bold declaration of Identity, Unity, and Conviction….; It is a call to stand firm and to make visible what has too long been hidden; Raising the colours is not just about flags….it is about taking ground, a Nation taking responsibility, and refusing to remain silent in a time when silence has cost too much….As I have been watching and praying concerning what’s happening…yesterday the Lord took me back to a powerful Prophetic Vision I had which speaks to what is beginning to Unfold in our Nation…; A Warring over the True Identity and Destiny of a Nation…I hear a Clarion Call to Arms in Prayer, to rise with a Finisher’s Anointing, refusing to shrink back until Restoration and Reformation of a Nation is fully accomplished. The Destiny of a Nation hangs in the balance, and it will not be secured by Politics or by human strength, but by the Rise of a Governing Ecclesia in travail, obedience, and Prophetic intercession,…who will not let go until God has made the United Kingdom whole again….!

I am neither Left nor Right (despite my views consigning me in the eyes of some as being not just right but far right). Neither am I a nationalist any more than I am not a globalist (especially given the dangers of globalism is something I write about in my blogs). I have written much on immigration, including the need to welcome the foreigner, especially genuine asylum seekers. While that is a thoroughly biblical imperative, at the same time the foreigner was also expected to contribute to the host community, respect its customs and obey its laws (something that all too often is not happening and thus the outrage). I have also been mindful that immigration in the UK has gotten out of control, especially given a lack of infrastructure to contain the influx along with a weakening of British cultural identity. None in today’s Uni (Labour and Conservative) Party have shown signs of bringing it under control, both out of fear in upsetting certain people and ineptitude. It has provided fuel for many of those discontented people who we find today waving the Union Flag (a minority for the wrong reasons).

As I was thinking of how to conclude, my mind went back to my childhood and Empire Day, later renamed Commonwealth Day. It was widely celebrated, including waving Union flags, including by my mother who was both a Labour supporter and a Royalist. According to Meta AI: “Empire Day was celebrated in the United Kingdom on May 24th, which is Queen Victoria’s birthday. The celebration was established in 1904 by the Earl of Meath, a British politician, to promote patriotism and unity across the British Empire. It was particularly popular in schools, where children would learn about the history and significance of the British Empire, sing patriotic songs, and participate in various festivities.

Key Aspects of Empire Day:

– Patriotism and Unity: Empire Day aimed to foster a sense of patriotism and unity among the people of the British Empire.

– Celebrations: The day was marked with various events, including flag-raising ceremonies, parades, and patriotic speeches.

– Education: Empire Day was also used as an opportunity to educate children about the history and significance of the British Empire”.

I am not advocating a return to celebrating Empire Day and have reservations about some of the values those early Empire Day advocates pushed, a celebration long since has drastically waned. But I do support the return to many of the values that are implicit in that celebration and in the Union Flag, particularly the parts of it to do with what patron saints of the four nations represented, warning that, if we continue on our current trajectory, disaster will follow.