This Sunday we come to the last Sunday of the church year. Traditionally known as the Feast of Christ the King, in recent years many have starting calling it the Feast of the Reign of Christ. I like that nuance because it speaks more to my experience. There are no kings in my day-to-day life for Christ to supplant as supreme ruler, and so the powerful subversiveness of that title doesn’t pack a strong punch. But when I look at a world broken open by hate and war, the idea of the reign of God coming – bringing the fullness of God’s justice, compassion and reconciliation – that catches my heart. And it points me toward the expectation and hope that we embrace in the season of Advent.
Sunday 11/29 is the first Sunday of Advent, and the start of a new church year. I know many folk travel for Thanksgiving, but if you are here I sincerely hope you join us that Sunday. During the Sunday School hour at 9:30, EVERYONE (whether you have kids or not) is invited to join us in making an Advent wreath for your family. We will have all the supplies – you just show up! We will also have Advent devotional materials for children and adults – a booklet of prayers and devotions to use with your Advent wreath, a sticker-a-day journey through Advent for kids, and booklets with daily reflections by C.S. Lewis and Henri Nouwen for teens and adults.
My prayer is that as we journey through this time of endings and beginnings we know the power of God’s abiding love.
In peace,
Kristin+