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, Meditation, and Closing Prayer

Return to the word, phrase, or verse you meditated upon on Sunday. Re-read that selection from the text. After a week spent pondering the presence of Christ through his incarnation and birth, what truth is the scripture speaking to you now? Write or speak your own prayer or meditation in response to God’s Word.

Comfort, Comfort Ye My People

by Johann Olearius, translated by Catherine Winkworth

Comfort, comfort ye my people,

speak ye peace, thus saith our God;

comfort those who sit in darkness

mourning ‘neath their sorrow’s load.

Speak ye to Jerusalem

of the peace that waits for them!

Tell her that her sins I cover,

and her warfare now is over.

Yea, her sins our God will pardon,

blotting out each dark misdeed;

all that well deserved His anger

He will no more see nor heed.

She hath suffered many a day,

now her griefs have passed away;

God will change her pining sadness

into ever-springing gladness.

For the prophet’s voice is crying

in the desert far and near,

bidding all men to repentance,

since the kingdom now is here.

O that warning cry obey,

now prepare for God a way;

let the valleys rise to meet Him,

and the hills bow down to greet Him.

Make ye straight what long was crooked,

make the rougher places plain,

let your hearts be true and humble,

as befits His holy reign;

for the glory of the LORD

now o’er earth is shed abroad,

and all flesh shall see the token

that His Word is never broken.