The Return of the King

Imagine standing amongst 5 million other people as you await to be a part one of the most monumental days in history. Half of the world is watching on television. You have been willing to wait in freezing temperatures, wrestle with traffic, and even camp overnight all in order to reserve your spot for the big day. The anticipation has been stretched out for years, even though it feels like an eternity at times. In the last couple days you have even been losing sleep amidst the excitement.

Such is the sentiment of many Americans concerning the inauguration of president-elect Barack Obama in less than a month. That day in January will be a significant milestone in American history. Consequently, this inauguration will be one of the most elaborate ones ever. According to the Los Angeles times, the Obama team hopes to raise $40 million in order to cover the costs of the festivities. Of course, the president-elect will first officially be sworn in, receiving his rightful title. Then nearly five days of celebrating will ensue. Would anyone expect anything less for one of the most joyful days in our nation's recent memory?

If the previous two years have taught me anything, it has been that when the pressure is on, people act with completely unedited behavior, and if there is one thing the election taught us concerning human nature, it is that we LONG for a king. When times are tough, with a faltering economy and broken military crisis, we are desperate for one to come in and make everything right. We cry out for leadership. But we don't want just any leader. Our conscience somehow seems to give us a specific vision. Many of those who voted for Barack Obama feel he fits this profile. Others may not have voted for him, but express similar hopes for any candidate. They long for a leader who is powerful -not kind of powerful - but one able to accomplish whatever he needs in order to provide for their well-being. They long for a leader who is just - not kind of just - but holistically just - one who can weed out corporate greed, provide decent health-care for all, and emphasize diplomacy over violence. They long for a leader who is innocent - not just slightly innocent - someone who is completely immune from even the slightest of temptations. Perhaps most of all, they long for someone who will heal our nation - not sort of heal it - but fully redeem it, accepting responsibility for the holes it has dug itself into. Surely every human being can identify with the longings for this kind of a king.


For this desperation for a king is universally expressed. When we are honest, all of us can admit that life feels as thought it ought to look differently than it really does. One glance at the morning's headlines reminds us. Whether it is a story exposing a governor's corruption or the horrifying murder of young girl by her mother, our world appears just as broken as ever. If this feels distant, consider what conclusions we might draw from the lighter columns advising us how to tolerate our family members when home for the holidays. Unfortunately, it seems something is lacking in us, as well. If we are not aware of it in ourselves, surely we recognize it in those immediately around us.

Yet, while many understandably wait for this magical day in January, it is a historically accepted fact that one man claimed to be king over 2000 years ago. And yet while he was crucified and buried, he rose again with the promise of a final return - a return that will surely be the most radiant, most glorius celebration in all of time. Just like the coming inauguration, he will accept his rightful throne and rule his kingdom in power. However, unlike any human leader we could ever have, this one perfectly meets the expectations inscribed on our conscience - a leader who commands all power, administers perfect justice, exhibits pure innocence, and yet bore all of our shortcomings that we may gain citizenship to the kingdom itself. However, there's no camping out for this ceremony. No donations are required. He The one price for the subjects' attendance was paid by the king himself.

Yet this King did not arrive to Earth in a limosuine. He was not accompanied by millions of adorning fans or greeted by a slew of A-list celebrities. No, he arrived in a dirty room of animals, defining the humble life he would lead and the humiliating death he would submit Himself to on our behalf.

As you gaze upon this historic moment next month, consider the most beautiful inauguration of all time that will crown the one truly worthy king. May it be soon!