On November 1, 2015, the Kansas City Royals won the Major League Baseball World Series. Thirty years since their last championship and one year since their “oh-so-close” loss to the San Francisco Giants, this particular group of players, coaches and management pulled together using humility and work ethic to defeat teams known for having great talent and skill, including the New York Mets. Along the way, the Royals’ fan base grew from the loyal, long-suffering locals to include regional enthusiasts, eventually earning support in cities across the United States as the playoffs went on.

Hashtag mania

In an age of social media, it’s easier than ever for fans to share their passions. So whether it was to bring attention to their team, connect with friends far and wide, or jump on the bandwagon, people were using hashtags on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and more to share the Royal fever. During the World Series, and especially on game days, the hashtags #BeRoyal and #TakeTheCrown were used often by fans. Then, on the day of the championship parade in Kansas City (an estimated 800,000 people attended while businesses and schools across the city closed because of the event), #RoyalCelebration became the tag for posts and pictures. In fact, there were so many people in the city’s center that day that cell service was unable to keep up with all the attempts to post about the Royals.

#RoyalCelebration

So what’s this got to do with church? Well, on our church calendar, this Sunday is Christ the King Sunday. On the last Sunday before Advent, the new year of our spiritual schedule, we honor and celebrate the royalty of Jesus. Both as a human and as the Divine, Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace. At his death he was mocked as the King of the Jews; today he reigns in heaven with God. We’ll use the KC Royals’ hashtags as a jumping-off point to focus on the one true King of our hearts — Jesus!

Question of day: Who or what rules your heart?
Focal Scriptures: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; John 18:33-37; Revelation 1:4b-8

For a complete lesson on this topic visit LinC.