Citizens Of The Kingdom

The entire world is reeling under the burden of the COVID 19 pandemic even as these introductory remarks are being written in preparation for our theme for 2021. An overwhelming sense of fear, uncertainty is felt as everyone awaits the appearance of an effective vaccine. Second, third and fourth lock downs are imposed in several countries. Yes, this pandemic will, when it is wiped out, leave an indelible mark in human history as none other has. The much anticipated 2020 has left us all reflecting to a great extent on the brevity, transience, fragility of our lives on earth. It has caused us to re-examine our purpose for living and things worth living or dying for. Along with this it has also left us reflecting on the strength the Holy Spirit has given us to face daily challenges and the amazing Grace of God that has sustained us from day to day. This has certainly been a time of remembering and experiencing the hope we have in Christ, the hope we have been called to and the fact that while we are citizens of this world and we are citizens of an eternal heavenly kingdom as well.

The idea for the Theme for 2021 'Citizens of the Kingdom' is cradled in the Apostle Paul's exhortations to the Philippians. It does seem quite strange that in a letter dominated by the theme of Joy that we find Paul agonizing over some professing to be Christians but have their minds on 'earthly things." He is calling them to a higher level of true 'spirituality.' Paul does not call his readers to an other-worldly, mystical and impractical way of living but one that has a grip on the realities of this present life with a heavenly perspective. He is calling his readers to 'have the attitude (mind) of Christ and remain focused on heavenly things that are eternal and permanent rather than on the passing things of this world (Col 3:2).