In December 2003 the long-awaited third installment of The Lord of the Rings movies was released in theaters. It seemed wonderful and fitting that millions of people, in the season approaching Christmas, were making plans for The Return of the King.

In the New Testament the word for "throne" shows up 62 times, including 47 times in the book of Revelation. This is a book of thrones, crowns, kings, ruling, and reigning. Some evil figures sit on or claim thrones, but the throne of God is the source of unmatchable power and judgment—and at the same time it is the center of glorious worship.

Much of the book of Revelation depicts struggle and chaos unleashed on the earth, yet we always see this guiding image: the throne is not empty. Jesus, the one seated on the throne, is both tremendously powerful but also incomparably loving. On the throne of God is the Lord Almighty, the King of kings, who is also the Savior of the world. And he says, "Look! . . . I am making everything new!"

Today, on the first Sunday of Advent, we are making plans for the return of the King as we head into the Christmas season. One day Jesus will come to wipe away all the sad things of this world. Grief will be gone. Death will be done. Pain will perish. The King of kings will have his rule fully recognized throughout all creation.