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Dearest Church Family,
Whether we call this final Sunday of the Christian year “Christ the King Sunday” or use the more recent title, “Reign of Christ Sunday,” the heart of the day remains the same: we affirm our allegiance to Jesus the Christ above all other powers.
During the June "No Kings" demonstration, I was at our Annual Conference. Many clergy were disappointed that we could not participate, so we held a small service of our own. Together we confessed the ways we have been complicit in systems of empire that harm the most vulnerable—those living in poverty, our immigrant neighbors, and communities pushed to the margins. We proclaimed, with conviction, that our loyalty belongs to no earthly king.
In October, I was grateful to be part of the "No Kings" demonstration here in San Diego. The gathering was peaceful, joyful, and overflowing with kindness. People looked out for one another with compassion and gentleness. Standing among so many who refuse to participate in hate gave me genuine hope. Hope that another society is possible. Hope that a culture that recognizes the dignity of all people is possible. It felt like an inbreaking of the kingdom of God. That is the kind of Hope with which we will enter Advent.
Our anchor image for Advent this year is the Nativity Scene. If you have a Nativity scene that you love, consider bringing it to church on one of the Sundays of Advent. We can display it during worship.
See you Sunday!
May "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7).
Pastor Kim
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