One who rules over people justly, ruling in the fear of God, is like the light of morning, like the sun rising on a cloudless morning, gleaming from the rain on the grassy land. 2 Samuel, ch.23

We come this week to Christ the King Sunday — the transition point between the long, ‘ordinary’ season of Pentecost and the short, extraordinary season of Advent, during which we prepare to receive this ‘Christ the King’ character.  We’re reminded again on this same Sunday each year that the King we’re preparing to receive is no small beans, no slouch — not simply a personal cheerleader or confidant — but is the hope of the world, the light in the darkness, the judge of the strong and defender of the weak — he is the King of all creation who lays claim to the life of every living thing, calling each to the purpose for which it was created — in good order and perfect peace.

Christ, who is King, whom we celebrate as such this Sunday, comes among us to reveal the absurdity of any human claims to ultimate power — especially the coercive, life-diminishing power exercised by those who deny the full, God-given dignity of God’s good creation and all its inhabitants.

The King we receive during this most sentimental time of the year is a King who cuts through all sentimentality with his clear word of Good News to all those who thirst and hunger for the first fruits of God’s Kingdom.

Is there enough hope in your heart to hear this Good News over the din of apathy, indifference, pessimism, and despair?  Is there enough room in your life for this Good News to make a difference?

Lift your head up, wipe the sleep from your eyes — the Son is on the horizon.