As we approach Thanksgiving, followed quickly by Reign of Christ Sunday, may your liturgical year end with hope and gratitude. This week, I have illustrated Charles Wesley’s grand hymn as if he were reflecting quietly on the floor of his home, in the quiet of a morning before sunrise. For me, the quiet hours before everyone is awake are often when I sense God most, when I am most hopeful, and when I feel the most at peace.
The Christian year ends with a celebration of Christ’s ultimate victory over sin and death. It is a triumphant celebration. full of hope that justice and mercy truly prevail at the foot of the cross. Charles Wesley’s hymn, Rejoice, The Lord Is King, reflects on Christ’s ultimate victory as the source of our joy. His refrain is taken from Philippians 4:4, which I leave with you as a blessing:
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.