The Solemnity of Christ the King is an annual event that is marked on every last Sunday of Ordinary Time, the last Sunday of the liturgical calendar to celebrate the kingship of Christ. Advent is a four- week devout period of preparation for the coming of Jesus into the world. The relationship between both liturgical events has oftentimes been summed up as celebrating ‘Big Jesus’ through Solemnity of Christ the King while Advent is all about adoring “Baby Jesus”. BETTY AMUKPO presents the views of some children.
‘The Advent season invites us to commemorate the birth of Jesus; Solemnity of Christ the King declares that Jesus is the king of the universe’
The Advent season invites us to step away from what can be a frenzied time of parties and shopping to consider how we commemorate the birth of Jesus, one of the holiest times in Christian faith. It is also a time to reflect on the triumphant return of Jesus at the second coming. For Christians, when our faith is repeatedly marginalised in public life, we can fall into the habit of compartmentalising our lives. We love Jesus in our private lives, but we shrink from acknowledging the kingship of Christ in social life. When we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King, we declare to the world and remind ourselves that Jesus is the Lord of the Church and of the entire universe.
• Awaki Barnabas
‘Advent is the beginning of New Year in the Catholic Church, while Solemnity of Christ the King marks the end of liturgical year’
Advent is the beginning of New Year in the Catholic Church; the coming of Jesus Christ to bring us hope, love, joy and peace, while Solemnity of Christ the King marks the end of liturgical year of the Catholic Church. Solemnity of Christ the King is in honour of Jesus Christ as the Lord over all creation.
• Anita Chima
‘The Solemnity of Christ the King depicts Christ as the head of affairs while Advent is about His imminent arrival’
The Solemnity of Christ the King depicts Christ as the head of affairs while Advent is about His imminent arrival. These facts are backed up by John 14:6- 7 which says: Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him.”
• Gideon Eyinade
‘The Solemnity of Christ the King is all about celebrating our Lord as King while Advent is all about adoring our Lord’
The Solemnity of Christ the King is the final Sunday in the liturgical calendar which is juxtaposed against the first Sunday of Advent, the first Sunday of the liturgical New Year or liturgical calendar. Christ the King fills our heart with songs of praise and celebration in recognition of Christ the reigning king, while Advent is Christ reigning quietly hidden within our heart. In Revelation 17:14.”They will make war on the lamb, and the lamb will conquer them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with Him are called chosen and faithful. Thus, the Solemnity of Christ the King is all about celebrating our Lord and Saviour as King, while Advent is all about adoring our Lord and Saviour which is all about Celebration. May we all continue to celebrate our Lord and Saviour all the days of our life through Christ our Lord. Amen.
• Victoria Okefe
‘Corpus Christi is the institution of the Eucharist while Advent is a period in which we are expecting the birth of Jesus Christ’
Corpus Christi is the institution of the Eucharist observed on the Thursday after the Trinity’s Sunday. It is a solemnity of the most Holy Body (corpus) of Jesus Christ present in the Eucharist. It is widely celebrated in the Catholic world by carrying the Blessed Eucharist in a monstrance going round the streets singing and praising God. In the year 1264 the whole churches were ordered to observe it. In Matthew 26:26-27, Jesus took bread blessed it and broke it…. Jesus was the sacrifice and he was the sacrificer. While Advent is a period in which we are expecting the birth of Jesus Christ the messiah Isaiah 9:6 says for unto us a child is born, to us a child is given. This period leads to Christmas. The liturgical colour of advent is purple. The relationship between the Solemnity of Christ the King and Advent is that the feast of Christ the King is the final Sunday of liturgical calendar and the advent commences on the first Sunday of the New Year
• Chibuike Anyasor
‘The solemnity of Christ the King ushers in the first Sunday of Advent’
The solemnity of Christ the King is celebrated on the last Sunday of Ordinary Time (the last Sunday of the liturgical calendar), ushering in the first Sunday of Advent. The celebration of Christ’s dominion was moved in 1970 by Pope Paul VI from its original date.
• Okononfua Bryan
‘The solemnity reminds us that Christ reigns as King forever while the Advent season is all about preparing our hearts and homes for the birth of Christ’
The solemnity of Christ the king is celebrated on the last Sunday of ordinary time, heralding the first Sunday of advent. It is the celebration of Christ dominion. The solemnity reminds us that while government comes and goes, Christ reigns as King forever. During the early twentieth century in Mexico, Russia and some parts of Europe, militantly secularism regimes threatened not just the Catholic Church and its faithful but civilisation itself. Advent season is all about reflecting on how we can prepare our hearts and homes for the birth of Christ. In the world as it is today it is time for faith communities and families to remember, through prayer reflection, special music and good deeds Isaiah 9:2-7 says that the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light on those waiting in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the Nation.
• Sandra Ojimmadu
