Putting Our Trust in Christ the King

By the Rev. Malia Crawford

Every year, on the last Sunday before Advent, we mark the Feast of Christ the King.  The celebration feels anachronistic and bizarre in a country that eschewed monarchy.  This year, though, I find it a source of comfort and strength.

I write these words just a day after hearing the results of the presidential election.  Part of our country is fearful and part of our country is relieved.  Some are ecstatic and some are angry.  We know that elections matter a great deal and have global and long-term consequences.  And yet, as Christians, we put our trust in a higher power, Christ the King.

Early on, the people of God wanted a human king to rule them. God told them this was a terrible idea, that they were better off with God alone as their Sovereign.  And yet, God ultimately gave into their wishes—a fine example of live-and-learn divine parenting. 

Of course, God was right about kings being a bad idea.  Over the span of more than half a millennium, God’s people only got handful of kings in the ok-to-good range.  Even the most beloved King David was problematic. (Remember how he preyed on Bathsheba?)  On the other hand, this former shepherd grew up to be a Shepherd King who yearned to walk in God’s ways.

The only perfect king was—and is—the Son of David, the Son of God. The only one we could trust to be king forever is King Jesus, who rode not a war horse but a humble donkey, King Jesus who was born not in a palace but in a barn, King Jesus, who was crowned not with gold but with thorns.

At best, our human leaders help advance the Dream of God.  At worst, they cause great harm.  And yet, our work as God’s children remains the same no matter how good or terrible our leaders are.  Our work is to love God and love our neighbor—to bind up the brokenhearted, to welcome the stranger, to stand with those who are most vulnerable. 

And so let us get to work.

In Christ's peace,
Malia