Warm up!

Today's reading is like a fanfare!

1 Peter 1:3-9

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith - being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire - may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Do you hear the drum roll or the heralding trumpets? 

We are preparing for Christ the King Sunday... when the Reign of Christ is lifted up, proclaimed and indeed celebrated!  It is the explosive "pop" that ends the church year.  It is bigger than the Happy New Year of the world.  It sparkles and shimmers and fills us with indescribable and glorious joy, for we believe in him and are receiving the outcome of our faith! 

Vocalists prepare for singing by "warming up" their vocal chords.   Musicians warm up by running through chords or scales.  Athletes warm up by stretching muscles, swinging golf clubs, throwing practice balls... 

So how will the children of God warm up their hearts, souls, bodies and minds for this weekend?  Do you need to stretch your muscles to prepare to kneel for a while?  Do you want to run through some thoughts or memories of the many ways the Lord of Life has broken through your life and your relationships during the past year?  How about trying out some words or phrases of praise? 

Get ready!  The celebration is just hours away!