Jesus Christ… who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. Rev. 1:5-6
Lord Jesus, in just a few days Advent will give way to our Christmas Day celebration. I’m really looking forward this year to the fun, food, and family stuff of that day. I have so much for which to be grateful as 2018 winds down.
But may I go ahead and “cut to the chase” in this prayer? Jesus, I’m so glad to be living on this side of your journey from your crib to the cross to your crowning. I’m so thankful you are already the “ruler of the kings of the earth,” and of everything else.
And I am waiting on tip-toes with joy, (along with tons of my praying friends), for you to come back to usher in the fullness of your peace-full kingdom, the pervasive reign of your grace and love, and the whole-cosmos healing that will accompany your return.
I went to bed last night grieved, angered, and disgusted with what our American country and culture have become. But I don’t want to camp out there in this prayer. For the Roman world into which you were born was many times more broken, sick, and evil than ours—as hard as that is to imagine.
So once again, I come back to the main thing—to the main One. Jesus, thank you for loving us as much as you do, and for freeing us from our sins. And thank you for making us “a kingdom and priests”—that is, those who enjoy citizenship in heaven and intimacy with you. We are blessed and beloved.
May the sure hope, of your present and coming kingdom, compel us to live as conduits of your redemption, healing, mercy, and justice. Keep us from cynicism, Jesus. Keep us humble, gentle and kind as we love our neighbors and eagerly await your second Advent. So very Amen I pray, in your loving and worship-worthy name.
