Our scripture today names Jesus as he “who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father” (1:5-6). We experience in Christ what it means to be loved and hear a call to build God’s kingdom here on earth. On this last Sunday of our sermon series, as well as the last Sunday of the Christian year, you are invited to reflect on how you have felt God’s love this year. How have you shared Christ’s love with others? How will you help share God’s kingdom with someone in the new year?

A prayer for Christ the King Sunday from UMC Discipleship Ministries

God of all our yesterdays, our todays, and our tomorrows: we bring you our hearts; we bring you our gifts; we bring you our desires to be a part of your love in this world. We long to be your lights of hope in a world filled with despair and the voice of confidence to those who have already conceded defeat. Dedicate our hearts to shaping a world with love so that Christ won’t feel a stranger on his return. We pray this in the name of Jesus, who gave in love all there was to give for us. Amen.