It’s time to shift gears! We have a King, and He is coming!
Who is this King?
This is a King whose dominion is everlasting. This is a King who is not threatened by any beast, no matter how terrifying it might be. This is a King who establishes a kingdom that will never be destroyed. All of creation praises and exalts Him forever: mountains, hills, springs, seas, rivers, dolphins, birds, and all beasts, wild and tame (and maybe even those in Daniel's cryptic visions from today's First Reading). (Daniel 7:3)
Holy Mother Church is helping our minds make a shift as we complete this final week of Ordinary Time, sandwiched between the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, and the First Sunday of Advent. Soon we will shift our thoughts from the four last things (death, judgement, Heaven, and Hell) toward preparing in Advent to “let earth receive her King.” (from Joy to the World by Isaac Watts)
But who is this King?
“This, this is Christ the King whom shepherds guard and angels sing.” (from What Child is This by William Chatterton Dix)
And what does this King tell us?
In the Gospel today, Jesus says, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away." (Luke 21:33)
What an incredible promise Jesus gives us, dear sisters! Jesus’ words will not pass away. Praise God for the gift of the Scriptures, the very Word of God that we can hold in our hands. I encourage you to spend a few minutes today reading your Bible. Feel its pages, read underlined portions, and thank God for His Word. Also take a few minutes to think of the words Jesus has spoken to your heart in prayer. Do you have a journal where you record your conversations with Him? These personal words from Him are important to remember, and He does not want them to pass away.
Jesus wants us to remember His redemptive love on the Cross. He thirsts to dwell in our hearts, so “let every heart prepare him room.” (more Joy to the World lyrics)
[bctt tweet="Jesus thirsts to dwell in our hearts"]
As we enter into the Advent season, don't just sing along with the songs, pray along with God's words in Scripture.
Rose Coleman is a contemplative in action who delights in all things beautiful. Her adventurous heart has traveled many places—from circumnavigating the globe on a ship during college to some years in the convent as a religious sister. Exuberant from her childhood, she is an elementary school teacher who learns so much from her students. You can find out more about her here.
