If Jesus Wore a Crown...

In our age and in our country, where a deliberate move was made over 230 years ago to live free of the clutches of monarchy, it can be difficult for us to think about Christ as “king” much less to celebrate that.  Too often, images of the concentration and abuse of power, of self-serving policies, and of oppressive regimes are the only ones we have of kings and queens.  Yet, establishing “the kingdom of God” is how Jesus often described his mission on earth, and the language of “Christ the King” has subsequently found its way into our theology and worship.  

The last Sunday of the church year, in those traditions that observe the liturgical cycle of seasons and special observances, is devoted to the celebration of "Christ the King" or "The Reign/Realm of Christ" or similar focus on the now-and-not-yet reality of the "kingdom of God" manifesting itself in the world.  This Sunday, November 25th, is the last Sunday of the current church year (we begin a new church year on Dec. 2nd with the celebration of the first Sunday of Advent), and so we are taking the opportunity to focus on this important priority of Jesus.  

What’s a helpful way to think about Christ as King for us or about the kingdom of God being in our midst?  Hopefully, we can explore some positive images associated with this theme this Sunday.

God's blessings to you this Thanksgiving weekend.