There are many Christian traditions out there. Some of them follow a “ lectionary calendar”. This calendar is designed to guide believers through the life and journeys of Jesus while he was on Earth. Combining the Old and New Testaments, this calendar guides worship services, Bible studies, and even independent studies, this calendar helps followers to not just read the Bible, but to draw closer to the lord both as a congregation and as an individual (if they’ll allow it). The lectionary calendar also helps new and seasoned believers discern the, for lack of a better way to put it, “seasons” of their walk with the Lord.

The Christian calendar does not follow the same Gregorian calendar the world follows. The last day of the year is not New Year’s Eve. This week is a very important week for believers, although it passes with such subtlety that one would not hardly notice if one were not aware of its significance.

This past Sunday is what is known as Christ the King Sunday. Although it is known throughout the Christian world by many titles, the most common are The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Reign of Christ Sunday, and Christ the King Sunday are the ones most commonly used. It was/is a feast in the liturgical year which acknowledges the Kingship of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is a relatively new feast, as it was only instituted in October 1925 by Pope Pius XI for the Roman Rite for the Catholic Church. Later, in 1970, it was moved to the last Sunday of Ordinary time (otherwise known as the last Sunday before Advent) and, subsequently, to the end of the Christian Liturgical year.

Some congregations make a big deal out of this Sunday. Others do not even acknowledge its passing. Many do not even know this day exists and it’s just another glorious day to worship the Lord. For me, it’s a special Sunday. It’s the launching of one of my favorite times of they ear. ADVENT!

While most of America is busy preparing for the official start of the Holiday season and the big football and food day of Thanksgiving, it is important to pause and remember who our Lord is. If the news media or even your social media is any indicator, believers in America are starting to feel what much of the world’s believers have felt for a long time. Every time I open social media I see comments negative toward Christ and Believers. Often it is chased with a comment requesting we go believe in a corner and stop sharing our faith with this lost and broken world. There are a multitude of news reports that cast Christians in a negative light. It seems like darkness is spreading and trying to squash the light and the love of Jesus.

This week is a week of preparation. Advent is coming. In fact, Advent means “coming”. The season of Advent is our time to prepare for the coming of the Lord. We remember His birth in Bethlehem all those years ago and we look in hope for the second coming. Jesus is coming. He may come personally for you and me long before His return to earth to reign, but He is coming.

As you prepare your homes for Thanksgiving and the Holiday season, remember to prepare your heart for the living Lord. If you are someone that does not have a faith relationship with Jesus or if you are someone that just shakes their head as you read my “nonsense”, let me encourage you as well. Faith is not about what you can touch. It’s not about what you can see, smell, taste or even hear. It is an experience. I’m so sorry that we have done a poor job of introducing you to the greatest thing that ever happened to us. I would ask you a favor. Ready for it? I know it’s a huge ask.

For the next month, open your mind to the idea that maybe there is something to all this. I’m not asking you to pray. I’m not asking you to believe. Just look at the story rationally. Look at your believing friends and family with an open mind and ask yourself why they would believe and act this way. To be sure there is a difference between “church folk” and believers. Sometimes it’s hard to see the difference. I pray that you will see with new eyes, hear with new ears, and feel with a new heart what God is speaking to you. Whether you acknowledge Him or not, he loves you. Whether you want Him or not, He wants to be with you. Allow yourself the opportunity to study why these believers care so much that you also believe. I pray for you in this season.

Believers, we have to do a better job of sharing the love of Jesus with those around us. It’s easy to get lost in the busyness of this culture. Ground yourself in the truth of Christ and share Him through thought, word and deed with a lost and broken world.

This week, let us give thanks with grateful hearts and prepare our lives for the season of Advent.

God Bless!