An All Age Service for Sunday, 30 November 2025 led by Revd George Mwaura.
Click on the title above for the online service sheet and the link to the live stream.

We are grateful for anything you can give to support the work of Christ the Cornerstone in Central Milton Keynes. Giving may be through any of the following methods: the Parish Giving Scheme, online giving, giving by telephone banking or by cheque.
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Almighty and ever-living God, who in your divine wisdom reveals a future of peace and justice,
and in your mercy calls us to be ever watchful for the coming of your Son;
grant us grace this Advent season to cast off the works of darkness and live in the light of your kingdom.
May our hearts be prepared through righteous deeds and fervent prayer,
so that when Christ comes again in glory,
we may joyfully welcome him and enter into the fullness of your everlasting peace.
Amen

By Revd Nigel Adkinson

[Bible reading: Luke 23: 33–43]

Grace to you and peace from the Crucified and Risen King.

Amen

Christ the King Sunday is supposed to sound triumphant. We expect trumpets, crowns, and glory. But Luke gives us a very different picture. Instead of a throne, Jesus hangs on a cross. Instead of royal robes, he is stripped. Instead of a crown of gold, he wears thorns.  Instead of supporters, he is surrounded by mockers.

Above him a sign reads: ‘This is the King of the Jews.’ It is meant as a joke – yet it tells the deepest truth in the universe.

From the beginning, Jesus’ kingship was unlike any other. He came not to dominate, but to heal. Not to demand service, but to serve. Not to take life, but to give it.

And on the cross, we see the full revelation of what God’s power actually looks like: self-giving love that refuses to stop loving, even when it is rejected.

The world says kings must be strong, victorious, untouchable. But Christ shows us that true kingship is found in humility, vulnerability, and sacrificial love.

On either side of Jesus are two criminals. They look at the same crucified man and see two very different things. One joins the mockers: ‘Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’ His vision of a king is the same as the world’s: a king should fix everything with force; a king should escape suffering; a king should use power to avoid weakness.

But the other criminal sees something deeper. He sees a king whose love remains even in agony. He sees a kingdom that can reach into a place as dark as Golgotha. And he says the most honest prayer in Scripture:

‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’

He is the first person in the Gospel to recognise that Jesus’ kingdom is revealed on the cross, not apart from it.

Jesus answers him: ‘Today you will be with me in paradise.’

Not tomorrow. Not someday. Not if you get your life together. Today.

In the middle of betrayal, cruelty, injustice, and suffering, Jesus still gives mercy. In the darkest moment in human history, Jesus still opens the door of his kingdom.

This is what it means for Christ to be King: No one is beyond the reach of his mercy. Not the guilty. Not the broken. Not the fearful. Not the ones who feel they have nothing to offer.

This criminal has no good works to point to, no future to devote to God. He has only a plea—and that is enough for Jesus.
…
Click on the heading to read the full text of the Sermon.

Join us at 6pm this evening for a relaxed evening of music, prayer and fellowship, led by Rev George Mwaura.  The meeting will be held on Zoom.
Click on the title above to find details of the meeting.

Service of the Word for Christ the King Sunday, 23 November 2025 led by Revd George Mwaura. The Visiting Preacher is Revd Nigel Adkinson.
Click on the title above for the online service sheet and the link to the live stream.