Crown | Power
The crown is the resurrection power of God. The crown means that Jesus did not stay dead. It means that God is in the business of making dead things alive. It means that Jesus now wears a crown and stands as the supreme king of the entire universe. It means that history is steadily advancing toward a powerful Last Day of resurrection. It means everything will be fully put right under the merciful rule of the crucified and risen One. The crown means victory. The crown means that God wins out.
The gospel as power is thrilling news for those who are oppressed. For those who, as the hymn writer wrote, mourn “‘neath their sorrow’s load.” For people who are neglected and abused by those in positions of power. For those broken and enraged by injustice. For those who are haunted by their own frailty, weakness, and ineffectiveness. For those who yearn for a better world. The crown: God’s power for us.
Invocation
Make the sign of the cross and say,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Invitation Prayer
The baby in the manger is the King on the throne. Come to him in prayer: King Jesus, who reigns over all things, establish your rule deep in our hearts. Overwhelm all our weakness and frailty so that your power may be evident to all. Supersede all forces and powers that set themselves against you. For you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Word
Read slowly and more than once, if you can. After reading, find a word, phrase, or verse that resonates with you. Meditate on that small piece of scripture. What truth is it speaking to you today?
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor;
he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor,
and the day of vengeance of our God;
to comfort all who mourn;
3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion—
to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;
that they may be called oaks of righteousness,
the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.
4 They shall build up the ancient ruins;
they shall raise up the former devastations;
they shall repair the ruined cities,
the devastations of many generations.
8 For I the Lord love justice;
I hate robbery and wrong;
I will faithfully give them their recompense,
and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.
9 Their offspring shall be known among the nations,
and their descendants in the midst of the peoples;
all who see them shall acknowledge them,
that they are an offspring the Lord has blessed.
10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord;
my soul shall exult in my God,
for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation;
he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
11 For as the earth brings forth its sprouts,
and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up,
so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise
to sprout up before all the nations.
Luke 1:46-56
46 And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
55 as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”
56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.
Closing prayer
Lord God, we live in a world that is grasping for power. Dispel false reliance on our own strength, and help us to fully trust your transcendent power. With your gracious power, Lord Jesus, come quickly. Amen.