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Language of thrones and royalty conjures up for us a world
of make-believe or, at best, a primitive form of government
that has little to do with life today. Perhaps it would be worst
of all if a current monarch came to mind when we speak of Christ
as King. Christ’s rule is far beyond the wildest dreams
of any royal house in today’s world.
Celebration of this climactic Sunday should bear all this in
mind. It is a golden opportunity to note the vast difference
between Christ’s rule and any form of earthly rule. The
contrast between his realm and earthly kingdoms can be effectively
underscored by leading the congregation in the rousing Reformation
hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” (The Presbyterian
Hymnal # 260). The true character of Christ’s rule
as proclaimed in the hymn’s final line, “His kingdom
is forever,” can be lifted up for special attention by
the liturgist or bulletin. Handel’s most famous choral
work, “Hallelujah Chorus” from Messiah, is usually
reserved for Christmas or Easter—but it is nowhere more
fitting than on this particular Sunday as the choir exults,
“And he shall reign forever and ever.”
Yet, for all the problems associated with “king”
language in our time, it carries an important sense—especially
for those of us in the Reformed tradition—that other terms
for “ruler” do not. “Rulers” in our world
are placed in power by the will of the people. But Christ reigns
regardless of whether people recognize his reign. He reigns
because God appointed him to reign, not because we grant him
rule. This can be a significant teachable moment for Reformed
theology—just as Christ reigns because of God’s choice
rather than human choice, so we belong to God and “reign
with Christ” (Rev. 20:6) because God chose us, rather than
because we chose God. This underscores a significant theme in
Reformed theology and provides a good teaching opportunity.
The time with children in the worship service may focus on the
image of a crown, which is often displayed on church windows
or banners in Presbyterian sanctuaries. The leader might take
the children to the depiction of a crown and ask them what it
entails and how it refers to Jesus. Just as a crown is shaped
in a circle with no beginning or end, so it is with Christ’s
reign. Crowns are costly and beautiful, and so is his reign.
An important theme for this Sunday is that Christ’s reign
stands in stark contrast to that of earthly powers. He reigns
not by asserting control, but by freely sacrificing his own
life so that others may live. It is well worth noting that only
during his final week of agony, culminating on the cross, is
he publicly recognized as King. We demonstrate his reign in
our own lives not by exercising triumphal power, but by laying
down our lives for others.
Worship Aids
The Book of Common Worship includes Scripture selections
and prayers especially appropriate for the feast of Christ’s
Reign (see pages 394–400). For those celebrating the Lord’s
Supper, it includes a Great Thanksgiving Prayer especially suited
for the celebration of Christ’s reign. Communion hymns
that focus on Jesus’ reign include “For the Bread
Which You Have Broken” (PH # 508/509); “Lord,
We Have Come at Your Own Invitation” (PH # 516);
and “This is the Feast of Victory” (PH # 594).
A variety of helpful worship aids for this year’s celebration
of the Reign of Christ, including pertinent images, hymns, prayers,
and movies, is available at www.textweek.com/yearb/christb.htm.
The Presbyterian Hymnal (PDS# 01009960)
has designated hymns 141–157 for the celebration of Christ’s
reign. Additional hymns appropriate to the day include:
“Joy to the World,” 40
“Come Thou Almighty King,” 139
“All Hail to God’s Anointed,” 205
“Hope of the World,” 360
“Take My Life,” 391
“When Will People Cease Their Fighting?” 401
“Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation,” 416 / 417
“Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun,” 423
“Lead On, O King Eternal,” 447 / 448
“I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art,” 457
Sheldon
W. Sorge is Associate for Theology and Worship and can
be contacted at (888) 728-7228, ext. 5310.
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