Read Matthew 25:31-46.
Solus Christus
Today is the day after Christmas and we encounter a scripture lesson we last heard just before Advent, on Christ the King Sunday. Only yesterday, we marveled at the baby in the manger; today, we are reminded that this meek and mild infant is the same one who reigns over all creation.
One of the best insights I’ve heard about our celebration of Christ the King comes from preaching professor David Lose. He emphasizes that making Christ our King is not merely a regime change; we are not simply replacing our worldly leaders with Jesus. Lose explains, “The kingdom – or, perhaps better, the realm – of God that Jesus proclaims represents a whole new reality where nothing is the same – not our relationships or rules, not our view of self or others, not our priorities or principles – nothing. Everything we thought we knew about kings and kingdoms gets turned right on its head.”*
If we bow to our King Jesus, we do so because he is with us and loves us. He is not in some distant royal palace, nor can we simply tuck him away in our back pocket. He is mighty and kind, merciful and just. All things were created through him, and he desires to know you personally. Sola Christus — Christ alone brings about the salvific relationship.
Pray
Loving God, Mighty Sovereign, Gentle Friend, as we continue into this joyous season of Christmas, help us to remember that Jesus is a leader like no other. May we celebrate the singular joy of the birth of our Savior and remember that his reign transforms us completely. Amen.
Rev. Dr. Alexandra M. Hendrickson
College Chaplain & Director of Religious and Spiritual Life,
Lafayette College (Easton, PA)
* David Lose, “Christ the King,” Working Preacher, Luther Seminary, 2010, http://www.workingpreacher.org/dear-working-preacher/christ-the-king.
Words for Waiting 