Lifting Christ’s Name with Praise and Thanksgiving
This weekend, we will celebrate Christ the King Sunday, a sacred but somewhat understated observance in the church. Our Catholic friends often refer to this as the
Feast of Christ the King, or the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the
Universe. Either way, it provides an opportunity for believers of all Christian
denominations to honor Jesus Christ as Lord over all of creation and Savior of all
humankind.
Originally celebrated on the last Sunday in October, it was moved more than 50 years ago to the last Sunday of Ordinary Time, which falls right before Advent. This brings an appropriate conclusion to one liturgical year, and a glorious beginning to another year on the church calendar.
We invite you to join us for this Sacred Sunday service and to enjoy a “feast” afterward as we hold our second Fellowship Dinner following the service. We encourage you, if you are able, to bring a dish (salad, dessert, casserole, or some other item) to share. This is always a favorite event of mine because the food is delicious and the fellowship is delightful.
After the meal, we will decorate the Sanctuary and other parts of the church. This is always a fun activity, and the more people we have, the faster the process goes. Then, the next time we meet will be the first Sunday of Advent, but in between many of us will gather with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving.
Scripture is filled with references about being thankful in both the Old and New Testament, and I would encourage you to reflect on some of these passages or even
share them with others before, during, or after your meal on Thursday (or whenever you
gather for the holiday).
One of the more familiar passages comes to us from the Old Testament Book of Chronicles (16:34), which states, “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; his love
endures forever.”
Other passages come from the New Testament, including Colossians 4:2, which advises us to “Devote [our]selves to prayer, being watchful and thankful;” II Corinthians 9:11, which says, “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God;” and I
Thessalonians 5:16-18, which proclaims, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks
in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.“
A spirit of thanksgiving, or an attitude of gratitude, provides physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits for all of us. Psychologists tell us that thankful people are generally happy people.
So be thankful and be happy this week and every week, this day and every day, and because I won’t see you on Thanksgiving, allow me to leave you with these words of encouragement from Colossians 3:15, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
A very Happy, Healthy, Holy Thanksgiving to all of you!
Until We Meet Again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John