November 23, 2025
Christ the King Sunday, officially called ‘the Feast of Christ the King’ and also referred to as ‘the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe’ is a feast day that celebrates the full authority of Christ as King and Lord of the universe.
The feast was originally celebrated on the final day of October, the day before All Saints’ Day. Pope Paul VI moved the feast to the last Sunday before Advent in 1969 to highlight the day’s importance. This would fall in November. Churches that use the Revised Common Lectionary honor ‘Christ the King Sunday’ as the final Sunday of the liturgical year. This includes most major mainline Protestant groups.
One of the reasons this date is so fitting is because the liturgical year begins with Advent, which is the season of awaiting the coming of Christ. Observing Christ the King Sunday at the end of the liturgical year celebrates and emphasizes the Kingship of Christ.
Many Christians don’t know the history of the title “Christ the King.” The feast is actually a relatively new addition to the liturgical calendar. However, referring to Christ as “King” is not new.
There are countless passages throughout the New Testament where Jesus is referring to as “King.” Some of these include Matthew 27:11 which says, “Now Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, ‘You have said so.’” Another passage is First Timothy 1:17 which says, “To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Revelation 19:6 also says, “On his robe and on his thigh he has a name inscribed King of kings and Lord of lords.” From these passages, we see that “King” was one of the earliest titles given to Jesus Christ.
This title is not that of an earthly king which so many Jews were expecting because they were awaiting someone to overthrow the Roman rule and be the earthly king of Israel. This was the title of a spiritual king. Christ’s Kingdom is in heaven. His title as King does not bind Him to earth alone. Ultimately, on this day we recognize the higher authority of Christ.