Dear friends in Christ,
This weekend we celebrate the last Sunday of our church year, a day on which we always focus on the kingship of Christ. The collect beautifully sums up what this celebration is all about:
Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Let us pray those words fervently.
Politicians and those seeking office have been much in the news lately. We who follow Jesus do well to remember that he is our king. No earthly ruler has the ultimate claim on us.
And what kind of king is Jesus? He is nothing like most political leaders. He came not to be served, but to serve. His rule is gracious, that is, full of grace and mercy. He is always loving. He brings us not condemnation for our sins, but a path to salvation by the remission of our sins.
May all our hearts be governed by Jesus. And may our love of Jesus lead us to love our neighbors and seek their well-being.
We are also on the cusp of Advent, as we prepare ourselves to worship Jesus at Christmas but also to greet him when he comes in glory.
Come, Lord Jesus, quickly come. Be for us the King of kinds and Lord of lords.
Yours faithfully,
Scott Gunn
Executive Director
P.S. If you are looking for ways to observe Advent, check out Forward Movement’s books and other materials for the season. Order by this Saturday, November 23, to ensure delivery before the First Sunday of Advent (December 1).
More from our ministry:
Last chance to order Advent calendars for 2024!
New this year: Calendars for Christmas and Epiphany
Devotions for each Person of the Trinity: A Generous Beckoning
Sign up for free email meditations: AdventWord.org