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
“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.” (Isaiah 61:10)
Meditation
“Faulty Instrument” by Koleen Barnes
Sometimes I have trouble articulating my faith. It can be a scary thing to talk about, especially when some not-so-great assumptions are tied in with being a Christian. Simply stating that fact can land you on one side of a fence or another without you knowing it. Our church makes it a bit easier by saying that we are Loved and Sent—loved by God and sent into the world. With these words, it is easier to express my faith in how I treat others and the way I live my life.
Jesus lived his life here with us so that we have a tangible connection to God. He was a man here on earth just like we are. He practiced patience, acceptance, kindness, gentleness, and so many other qualities we can strive for, but above all he treated people well. He was respectful of those who some may have considered lower in station or different than him. He took in people who needed it and even exalted them at times.
I fail at these qualities every day, but it gives me something to strive for. Jesus shows us how he expects us to act and how he plans to use us to show people what living in His way can do. When we live our lives with this in mind, we allow ourselves to be instruments of God and show others his love without having to verbally articulate it.
Closing Prayer
Lord, you make use of such weak human instruments to fulfill your mighty purpose. We think of young Mary before Gabriel. We think of your humble birth in a manger. We join you in this spirit of humility. We submit to your call on our lives. We give you our time, our service, our decisions, and our resources. With your gracious power, Lord Jesus, come quickly. Amen.