Reflection
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In what was a relatively short tenure, King George VI was King of England from 1936 to 1952, just 16 years. He was extremely popular in his day. While he was a somewhat soft-spoken and even shy king, no one questioned his love and loyalty for his country. That loyalty was on full display during World War II when he chose to stay in the heart of London while there was intense bombing in the city instead of heading to the countryside. In fact, Buckingham Palace was even struck.
Here’s what his wife, Queen Elizabeth, said: “The children will not leave unless I do. I shall not leave unless their father does, and the king will not leave the country in any circumstances whatsoever.” You can imagine how that won the respect of the nation. He was a good king. But lung cancer would end his life, and he passed on the throne to his oldest daughter, who would become none other than Queen Elizabeth II.
After the death of King George VI, Winston Churchill (the former Prime Minister) gave a eulogy and said this, talking about George’s last days:
“He was sustained not only by his natural buoyancy, but by the sincerity of his Christian faith. During these last months, the king walked with death as if death were a companion, an acquaintance whom he recognized and did not fear. In the end death came as a friend, and after a happy day of sunshine and sport, and after [saying] ‘good night’ to those who loved him best, he fell asleep as every man or woman who strives to fear God and nothing else in the world, may hope to do.”
In one episode of the TV series The Crown, there is a scene (and it’s probably fictional) where Christmas carolers come to visit the royal family—and it’s a tearjerker. It’s not too long after King George was told his lung cancer was terminal, and he knows this will be his last Christmas. After a little girl presents the king with a gift—a handmade paper crown, which he puts on—the group begins to sing the hymn “In the Bleak Midwinter,” which is also sometimes called “What Can I Give Him?”
It’s about the realization that none of our earthly possessions or accomplishments can compare to who God is or what he’s done for us. It’s about remembering the primary thing we can give God—our hearts. The lyrics of that song (according to the show anyway) met King George right where he was, and moved him to sing along with the carolers—and then to weep. The song asks, “Yet what can I give Him? Give Him my heart.”
When it comes down to it, that is what we can offer God: ourselves, our attention, our hearts.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, may nothing surpass our devotion to and affection for you. Help me see and do something about the things on this earth that prevent me from giving you my whole heart. Amen.
