Way back in 1987 we had a holiday in north Cornwall, staying in the tiny village of Crackington Haven, we decided to travel to Bude one evening and I spotted a short cut. Travelling along a single track road we went over the brow of a hill and were faced with this sight. The photograph possibly does do it any justice, but I remember standing and drinking in the view, it was a clear evening and the scenery was stunning. In the Bible, and in worship, we often use the term, being in awe and may that summers evening thirty-five years ago I had a vivid feeling of simple standing in awe and wonder. Maybe I have had this feeling repeatedly over the years, both by standing looking at wonderful scenery and appreciating the amazing acts per formed by fellow human beings, art, architecture, inventions, music, and acts of outstanding bravery and over the years, I have been in awe. I have travelled on this little road from Crackington Haven to Millook several times and it even featured in the first episode of the final series of the TV show Doc Martin, but it has never taken my breath away in the same way as it did on that first experience.
Time and time again in my life, I have been amazed by the acts of kindness shown by people, the commitment, diligence, and devotion to the tasks they undertake and I always try to let them know how much I appreciate their effort, skill and thoughtfulness. Appreciating is all part of the process of awe in my opinion, and that is why I always feel that worshipping God is an important part of my weekly life. I am frequently amazed by the things that happen, that are way beyond my own feeble attempts and in those high moments I need to have a God to thank. The are those who say that I am deluded to believe in God, but as I stood in the road on the pass between Crackington Haven and Millook, I needed to praise and give thanks and I need a God to believe in. I struggle to believe that all this came about because of an accident in nature millions of years ago.
This coming Sunday is the Sunday before the start of Advent, when we begin the journey through the Christian calendar once again, in the modern Christian Church we refer to this Sunday as “Christ the King Sunday” when having journeyed past all the familiar landmarks along our way through the story of Christianity once again, we arrive at the conclusion that Christ is the Son of God and is indeed Christ the King of all humanity. On this Sunday, we stand in Awe and give thanks for all that God has given to us, means to us and taught us. I finish with a prayer published on the Methodist Website for this Sunday.
May the love of Christ our King touch our hearts and minds.
May the example of Christ our King inspire us on our journeys of life and faith.
May the Spirit of Christ the King dwell among us and within us for evermore.
In the name of Christ the King. Amen.
Original Materials by E Adam Wells