The Christian year is built around our experience of Jesus Christ. As we come to the end of the year, we set our hope firmly upon the promised reign of Christ. One day, Jesus will return from heaven, where he sits at the right hand of God the Father in glory, to establish his kingdom of righteousness, justice, and peace for all people. Celebrating Christ as King makes us a hopeful people. For us, reality is not random. Rather, Christ reigns and he is guiding history toward a glorious end.
As Christians, we seek to live into Christ's kingdom right now. We obey Christ's commands and follow his example. This is our way of showing that Christ is our Lord. It also points others toward faith in Christ. Through our faithfulness we become a "provisional exhibition of the Kingdom of God to the world." (PCUSA Book of Order, F-1.0304)
Importantly, we remember that King Jesus knows the endurance required of his people. The first crown Jesus wore was one composed of thorns. Before he was lifted up into glory, he was hung on a cross. It was because Jesus was willing to humble himself for our sakes that God lifted him up and gave him a name that is above every other name. (Philippians 2:9) Since he is the one who died and rose again, we give him our allegiance and our adoration. (PCUSA Book of Worship, p.394).
Although our world is often chaotic, I invite us to find hope and perspective by embracing Christ as King. May he reign in our lives, as we trust his promise: "In this world you will have trouble, but be of good courage for I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
What is Christ the King Sunday?
The Christian year is built around our experience of Jesus Christ. As we come to the end of the year, we set our hope firmly upon the promised reign of Christ. One day, Jesus will return from heaven, where he sits at the right hand of God the Father in glory, to establish his kingdom of righteousness, justice, and peace for all people. Celebrating Christ as King makes us a hopeful people. For us, reality is not random. Rather, Christ reigns and he is guiding history toward a glorious end.
As Christians, we seek to live into Christ's kingdom right now. We obey Christ's commands and follow his example. This is our way of showing that Christ is our Lord. It also points others toward faith in Christ. Through our faithfulness we become a "provisional exhibition of the Kingdom of God to the world." (PCUSA Book of Order, F-1.0304)
Importantly, we remember that King Jesus knows the endurance required of his people. The first crown Jesus wore was one composed of thorns. Before he was lifted up into glory, he was hung on a cross. It was because Jesus was willing to humble himself for our sakes that God lifted him up and gave him a name that is above every other name. (Philippians 2:9) Since he is the one who died and rose again, we give him our allegiance and our adoration. (PCUSA Book of Worship, p.394).
Although our world is often chaotic, I invite us to find hope and perspective by embracing Christ as King. May he reign in our lives, as we trust his promise: "In this world you will have trouble, but be of good courage for I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)