Christ the King

“God raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion.” (Eph.1:20-21)

On the last Sunday before Advent, many churches celebrate the theme of “Christ the King”. It’s a particularly appropriate conclusion and climax to the story of Jesus which unfolds throughout the seasons of the year. The telling of that story begins with Advent and leads on to the saving work of Jesus through his death and resurrection at Easter. Yet even that is by no means the end of the story, for in his resurrection Jesus was not only raised from the dead but raised by God to the highest place in heaven, Lord and King over all.

Jesus is enthroned at the right hand of God, one with him in power and authority (Acts 2:33; Heb.1:3) and sharing with God the title “King of kings and Lord of lords” (1 Tim.6:15; Rev.17:14; 19:16). So to celebrate “Christ the King” is both a proclamation of his kingship and also a personal confession that we own his kingship in our lives. One day “at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow” (Phil.2:9-11), and so, even now, we who believe in him choose to give him our love and allegiance.

Jesus made clear that one day he will come again to earth, this time not as a baby but with “power and great glory”, to “sit on his throne” (Matt.24:30; 25:31). This revelation of his kingship will usher in the end of the present and bring about “the renewal of all things” (Matt.19:28; 2 Pet.3:13; Rev.21:1). Which is why the theme of “Christ the king” is the culmination of the story which begins in Advent. And why our proper worship response to the Christmas story is to live our lives in this world with Jesus as our king.