Christ the King Sunday was two days ago, November 21, 2021. In these troubled times we don’t want to miss its importance. Christ the King Sunday celebrates the reign and rule of the risen Jesus Christ over all creation…over all authorities, governments, businesses, and institutions…and over all people on earth. It’s the last Sunday in the Christian Year. It’s helpful to recognize its history and importance. In the early 1900’s, communism was emerging in Russia, fascism was emerging in Italy, nazism was emerging in Germany. Concerned about these growing ominous movements, Pope Pius XI instituted the Feast of Christ the King. He wrote the encyclical Quas primas (“in the first”) to respond to the secularism and atheism that was growing around the world. He recognized that attempting to “thrust Jesus Christ and his holy law” out of public life would result in continuing discord among people and nations. The Feast of Christ the King reminds that while governments come and go, Jesus Christ reigns as King forever! No wonder we gather in Thanksgiving this week. Advent is coming soon. Jesus Christ is King so…“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thess. 5:18
Midsouth Greeting
Christ the King Sunday was two days ago, November 21, 2021. In these troubled times we don’t want to miss its importance. Christ the King Sunday celebrates the reign and rule of the risen Jesus Christ over all creation…over all authorities, governments, businesses, and institutions…and over all people on earth. It’s the last Sunday in the Christian Year. It’s helpful to recognize its history and importance. In the early 1900’s, communism was emerging in Russia, fascism was emerging in Italy, nazism was emerging in Germany. Concerned about these growing ominous movements, Pope Pius XI instituted the Feast of Christ the King. He wrote the encyclical Quas primas (“in the first”) to respond to the secularism and atheism that was growing around the world. He recognized that attempting to “thrust Jesus Christ and his holy law” out of public life would result in continuing discord among people and nations. The Feast of Christ the King reminds that while governments come and go, Jesus Christ reigns as King forever! No wonder we gather in Thanksgiving this week. Advent is coming soon. Jesus Christ is King so…“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thess. 5:18