November 23rd Reign of Christ Sunday

Jeremiah 23:1-6 ~ Psalm 46 ~ Colossians 1:11-20 ~ Luke 23:33-43

Read online

The last Sunday of the Church year is known as Reign of Christ. It used to be called “Christ the King Sunday”. As a kid, I remember this Sunday being big: big choir anthems about Jesus being the king of everything (of course with trumpets), big hymns that sang of Jesus ruling over everything (Like Rejoice the Lord is King), and big sermons that extolled Jesus Christ as triumphant. In my mind, I imagined Jesus as Sir Sean Connery playing Richard the Lionheart, riding in with a commanding voice and everyone bowing down.

But instead of some medieval monarchical drama, what we get in the Gospel is Jesus dying as a convict between two thieves. Not quite the kingly image we tend to want. In fact, when I compare the Church of my childhood to the Church of today, perhaps one of the things we have going for us is that we have been forced to give up these imperialistic notions of crafting Jesus as a king in our image and instead realize the true nature of Jesus’ reign. “King” for Jesus means suffering servant. This Sunday is not about Jesus being a king over us, his reign is among us and with us.After reading the scriptures for this day, discuss the following questions with someone else:

1. When you think of Jesus as King, what is the image in your mind?

2. What are some of the ways Jesus as King differs from our typical ideas of Kings?

3. How do you feel called to embody the kingdom of God in your life today?

Advent Discussion via ZOOM

Pastor Bryan will be hosting a weekly Advent Discussion on Mondays at 6:30PM on ZOOM beginning December 1st. 

This four session study is entitled “Advent Pilgrimage in Palestine”. The resource is published through a joint effort of the ELCA and Sumud. Our time will include short videos and ample time for discussion. 

If you would like to participate, please email Pastor Bryan and he will get you the ZOOM link. 

Advent is Coming

Advent is the Church’s way of getting ready for the coming of Jesus. In the Church that means two things. We prepare to celebrate Jesus’ first coming as a baby in Bethlehem. But we also look forward to Jesus’ second coming as he promised to return. Thus you see both themes present in the Sunday readings. 

Advent always spans the 4 Sundays before Christmas. This year it begins on November 30th. In a holiday season that is often filled with obligations and celebrations, Advent is a reminder to pause a bit and take some quiet time.

Here are some ways that you and your family can observe Advent.

• Have a family Advent wreath with 4 candles. Light one candle each week of Advent til all are burning. You may choose to light the candles at your meals. Here’s a short prayer you can use for each week. 

• Advent Calendars are a fun way to count down the days of Christmas. In the stores you can find ones with a chocolate or other treat for each day. You may also want to use one that has a brief reflection or devotion. There are a variety of options online if you search for them. Here are two:

  • ELCA World Hunger. This one includes a nativity that you color and build along with daily activities. An additional devotion is also available to download. 

  • Lutheran Summer Music Academy has a musical meditation for each day of Advent. 

• Advent Devotionals are a great way to start a devotional practice or vary your established routine. Beginning or ending your day with a brief devotion can be a helpful routine that gives you peace. Here are a couple downloadable devotions.

  • Luther Seminary provides brief daily devotion for Advent, with a scripture and short meditation. This year the theme is based on the hymn “Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding”.

  • In 2016, the ELCA Church-wide staff wrote a weekly devotion for Advent that can be downloaded.

  • The Jesse Tree is a symbol of Jesus’ heritage. This Advent Devotion is designed for families with children of all ages. It can be purchased as a book or the website offers links to each day.