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
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
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
“He has sent me…
to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion–
to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” (Isaiah 61:3)
Meditation
“Royalty” by Susan Senechal
I’m related to royalty! That’s right, several years ago one of my cousins was the Michigan Sugar Queen. Didn’t know there was a Michigan Sugar Queen? Well, consider yourself educated. What does the Sugar Queen do? Well, for one, they ride atop a float in the Farmers’ Festival Parade in my dad’s small hometown in Michigan, and they wave. They make other public appearances, and they take home a small college scholarship. In other words, they don’t do much. A queen in title only, they have no power to make laws or decrees, nor can they give you a “get out of jail free card” if you’re caught speeding past the sugar beet factory in that same small town. But royalty is royalty, and I’m happy to claim her as cousin.
She may be the former Sugar Queen, but she’s still human, as are we all: frail, weak, sinful human beings, with no power to save ourselves. We are poor, brokenhearted captives in this world of sin. But God. But God, who sent his son into this very world as a fetus, to be born in a stable and laid in a manger, which we remember and celebrate every year at Christmas. But Jesus, who grew into a man who taught us how we ought to live, and then, more importantly died on a cross in our place, for our sins. But Jesus, who rose from the grave and was raised into heaven where he sits on the throne along with the Father, reigning in majesty, full of power and might, victorious over our greatest enemy. Powerless, but God.
When Jesus came he gave us a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning; a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. Because he is reigning with the Father, we are set free, not to remain powerless figureheads, but to share that good news with others.
Mary says it in what we call “the Magnificat” from Luke 1: “My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…for the mighty one has done great things for me–holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.”
We are not powerless figureheads–we have been extended a hand of blessing–now it is up to us to sing his praises, tell of his marvelous deeds, and go in the strength that is ours, seeking mercy, justice and forgiveness, and blessing others along the way.
Closing Prayer
Lord, we commit to you our leaders, elected officials, judges, and all who hold positions of authority. Demonstrate your power through their work. Grant them humility and competence for the sake of peace. Confound all tyrants and those who abuse power. With your gracious power, Lord Jesus, come quickly. Amen.