A MEDITATION ON CHRIST’S KINGSHIP (O REX GENTIUM) FOR DECEMBER 22ND

Christ, the Desire of Nations and the Cornerstone of Unity

“O King of the nations, and their Desire, the Cornerstone who makest both one: come and save mankind, whom Thou hast formed out of the clay.” 

By Bp. Joseph (Ancient Church of the West) 

Introduction 

The sixth of the O Antiphons, ”O Rex Gentium”, invites us to behold Christ as the King of all peoples, the Desire of the nations, and the unifying Cornerstone of God’s kingdom. It draws its imagery from the Messianic hope proclaimed in the prophets: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder… and of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end” (Isaiah 9:6-7). 

Here, we recognize Christ not only as the long-awaited King of Israel but as the universal King who reigns over every nation and tribe, who draws all people to Himself through the power of His Cross. This antiphon calls us to surrender to Christ’s kingship and to find in Him the peace and unity that humanity, divided and fractured, so desperately needs. 

The Desire of Nations: The Hope of the World

“O King of the nations, and their Desire…” This title points to the prophetic vision of Haggai: “And I will shake all nations, and the Desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory” (Haggai 2:7). Christ is the fulfillment of this longing—a universal Savior who transcends boundaries and unites all peoples in Himself. 

Every human heart, whether consciously or unconsciously, yearns for Christ. He is the answer to the deep longing for peace, justice, and restoration. In His coming, the divisions caused by sin - between God and humanity, and between one another - are ultimately healed. 

Here we must ask ourselves the questions…

Do we, as individuals and as a Church, bear witness to Christ as the Desire of the nations? Do our lives reflect His kingdom values of love, mercy, and reconciliation, inviting others to share in His peace? 

The Ancient Chant for the Sixth Night in Sepientide

Christ the Ruler of the Nations

The Ancient of Days Rules Over All as Creator and King

The King of the Nations: Christ's Universal Reign

“O King of the nations…” As King, Christ’s reign is unlike any earthly rule. “My kingdom is not of this world…” Christ said. His kingdom is not one of power and domination but of humility and service. His only throne a Cross, His only crown of pain. Born in a manger and crowned with the terrible plait of thorns, His kingship is revealed in the self-giving love of the Cross. 

This is the King whom the nations truly need, for only He can bring lasting peace. The rulers of this world promise security and prosperity, yet their kingdoms falter and fall. Christ’s kingdom alone is eternal, established on righteousness and justice. 

Do we bow before Christ as King, submitting our lives to His rule? Are we willing to let Him reign in every part of our hearts, allowing His justice and peace to transform us from within? 

The Cornerstone: Unity in Christ

“O Cornerstone who makest both one…” This phrase recalls the apostolic teaching of St. Paul: “For He Himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in His flesh the dividing wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:14). Christ is the Cornerstone who unites Jew and Gentile, breaking down barriers and reconciling all people to God and to one another. 

In a world marked by division - nations against nations, cultures against cultures, churches against churches, even individuals within families and local communities - Christ stands as the unshakable foundation of unity. He calls His Church to be a sign of this unity, a foretaste of the peace of His eternal kingdom. This is not some false doctrine of ecumenism - it is the will of Jesus Christ for our salvation! 

As we sit here together, let us ask ourselves the questions… 

Are we willing to allow Christ, the Cornerstone, to shape our lives and communities? Do we strive to live in unity, forgiving as we have been forgiven, and building our lives on the foundation of His love? 

A Call to Surrender and Unity

“O Rex Gentium” challenges us to recognize Christ’s universal kingship and to yield to His reign in our lives. As the Desire of the nations, He fulfills humanity’s deepest longings. As the Cornerstone, He brings the peace and unity for which we were created. 

This Advent, let us bow before Him, the King of kings, and pray for His kingdom to come more fully in our hearts, in the Church, and in the world. Christ is the King of all peoples, the Desire of every heart, and the Cornerstone of peace and unity. In His coming, He fulfills humanity’s deepest longing, reconciling us to God and one another. As we prepare for His arrival, let us surrender to His kingship, allowing His justice and mercy to shape our hearts and lives. 

“O King of the nations, and their Desire, the Cornerstone who makest both one: come and save mankind, whom Thou hast formed out of the clay.” 

COLLECT

O King of the nations, their Desire and Cornerstone, who makest both one: We beseech Thee to reign in our hearts and grant unity to Thy Church, that all peoples may know Thy peace and love; who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.