Sermon for Christ the King Sunday - 23 November 2025
Sunday of Christ the King: Sermon by Father David Bumsted Saint John's Episcopal Church | Tulsa, Oklahoma Let’s be honest: sometimes the details you notice in church raise more questions than they answer. After a recent All Souls Day Requiem, Father David found himself fielding questions from college students—most from non-denominational backgrounds—about all sorts of features in our sanctuary. But the hot topic? That peculiar, inaccessible platform way above the altar—the Baldacchino. Turns out, there’s a reason for that architectural “throne in the sky.” It’s not just a quirky construction detail. The Baldacchino symbolizes the seat of a monarch: a visual proclamation that Christ Jesus—crucified, risen, and reigning—is King over everything. Even the golden crown at the front sometimes casts a shadow over the head of the crucified Christ in our stained glass, a “coincidence” that powerfully drives home our faith: in this space, Jesus is Lord and King of all. As our tradition and scripture remind us, Christ’s kingship is nothing like the temporary power or dazzling triumphs of earthly rulers. Where they rule by strength and succession, Jesus reigns by sacrificial love forever. He is, in the words of Colossians, “the image of the invisible God... in him all things hold together.” His reign never ends. He shaped the entire universe and, in love, took on flesh, became a servant, and died so that we might share his glory. The strange platform, the crown’s shadow, and every soaring detail in the church draw us to this cosmic and intimate truth: Christ’s victory and kingship are found in humility—the cross is his true throne. While rulers of this world seek power, Jesus’ blood is shed for us so we might become part of his kingdom. As we approach Advent, preparing our hearts for Christ’s coming at Christmas, Father David invites us to look again at the signs of Christ’s kingship all around us—especially the ones we might have overlooked a hundred times before. Take heart, for Christ reigns eternally. His power and love are enough for this life—and for the life to come. Readings: Jeremiah 23:1-6 Canticle 16 (The Song of Zechariah Luke 1: 68-79) Colossians 1:11-20 Luke 23:33-43 Collect: Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Join Us for Worship Saint John's Episcopal Church Tulsa, Oklahoma Sunday Services: 8:00 AM – Holy Eucharist 10:00 AM – Holy Eucharist 5:30 PM – Choral Evensong Wednesday Service: 5:30 PM – Holy Eucharist Whether you're visiting Tulsa or looking for a church home, we'd love to have you join us! sjtulsa.org
