The Beauty of a Gift

Several weeks ago I received a phone call from Pr. Mike McCormack, the first called pastor of Christ the King. It was an unexpected surprise with the offer of an unexpected gift. Pr. McCormack's wife, Ann, had finished a painting that she thought was appropriate for Christ the King and she wanted to gift it to the congregation. I really had no idea what to expect, other than it reminded Ann of CTK.

When I saw it I instantly knew why it reminded her of us - the crowns of Jesus Christ -- our King -- were all there, radiantly on display. Majestic crowns, the crown of thorns, crowns packed with meaning, yet all stacked up as if to remind us of the many crowns our Savior wears to redeem this world. Staring at the painting, I began to wonder, "Did Christ know all the crowns He would wear? " "Could others see the crowns then like we can in Ann's painting now?" "What crown am I trying to picture on Jesus, and for whose sake am I doing it -- for others? My own?

At this point I'm not sure I have answers to all those questions. And yet, as I turn to our readings for this Sunday -- appropriately Christ the King Sunday -- I realize that I'm not alone. Pilate and others were thoroughly confused about the nature of Jesus' kingdom. Likewise, the disciples were still on a journey of discovery, not knowing where Jesus was leading them - only that he was!

The next time you are in church and have a few extra minutes, I encourage you to head to the library and spend a few minutes with our newest gift. Consider its creativeness, skill and meaning for it truly is a beautiful gift.