The Hidden and Revealed Rule of Christ

Christ the King Sunday – November 21st, 2021

Summary: It is difficult for us to comprehend what it was like to live under a king or an emperor. Defining the sense in which Jesus is a king becomes a challenge. Jesus rejected the role of becoming a king in the ancient and traditional sense of that word. Moreover, Jesus affirmed to Pilate that his kingdom was not from this world. But that does not mean it is not IN this world. Jesus was inaugurated as our king in his death and resurrection. His power is derived from his divine nature as the person who holds sway over the existential threats of alienation from God, and its consequence, death. This means Jesus has the power to lead us into God’s kingdom, where suffering, sorrow, and death will be no more. He has defeated them by going through them. Whenever we face periods of darkness in our lives, Jesus is present. Through his gentle and loving rule in our lives, we become empowered to live by faith in the love of God.

Order of Worship

Prelude “Great is Thy Faithfulness”, by Pam Gervais

Greeting

Opening Hymn “O Christ the Same”

Apostolic Greeting

Prayer of the Day

Old Testament Reading: Daniel 7:9-10,13-14

New Testament Reading: Revelation 1:4b-8

Children’s Message

Choir Anthem “All Earth Rejoice With a Gladsome Voice”, by Antonio Vivaldi

Gospel Reading – John 18:33-37

Sermon: “The Hidden and Revealed Rule of Christ”

Sermon Hymn “Great is Thy Faithfulness”

Apostles Creed

The Prayers and The Lord’s Prayer

Benediction

Sending Hymn “Soon and Very Soon”

Dismissal

Postlude: “Gavotte, Holberg Suite”, by Edvard Grieg