Whether you use the traditional title for this final day of the Christian Year, “Christ the King Sunday,” or the newer designation, “Reign of Christ Sunday,” the emphasis is on allegiance to the Savior, Jesus the Christ. For some, Christ the King refers to the person of Christ and therefore can be used to capture all that he was and said during the earthly ministry, as well as the position of authority he now holds “at the right hand of God the Father.” Others suggest that Reign of Christ emphasizes the relationship with all of creation, with us and with all. It might also be argued that both approaches bring us to the same place. So, whatever broadens the horizons of your congregation and provides enough tradition to be located in this space is up to the worship team in your place.
If there is a Sunday when creeds are appropriate, this is it. Of course, creeds are appropriate at any time, but they are doubly so on this occasion. Again, there is a choice of tradition or a newer expression of faith. The Nicene or Apostles’ Creeds provide, for many, the familiar language of a long heritage in the faith and bring folks back into the heart of belief. The Canadian or Korean Creeds can give a global expression in words that also fit our faith. A Modern Affirmation seeks to capture the essentials of faith in a language that sounds more like we talk today. Perhaps there is an affirmation from a confirmation class that could be used, or a youth expression written on a retreat or mission trip that speaks to your context yet also reaches the heights of our theological understandings.
Joining in a creed or affirmation of faith is an opportunity to claim one’s faith within the body of the gathered community. It is at once an individual and a corporate act. “This is my faith,” we declare, alongside “This is our faith.” Whatever words or formulations we use, we can pledge allegiance to Christ once more and be reminded that this is the highest allegiance, above nation or tribe or race. We belong to Christ, the unifier, the one who gathers us and claims us as precious children of God. There are always competing allegiances, other voices calling us to follow. Some seem to align with the cause of Christ; others do not. It is a time of discernment as we gather for worship each week and on this day. We need to know the Christ we claim today, to know his words and example. We need to test the other claims and abandon those that take us away from the gospel he brings, namely the call to love God and neighbor. This is a day to stake our claim as followers of Christ.
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