King of All Kings: Christmas Is Jesus’s Birthday

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2: 1,2 NIV)

Christmas

Christmas is time to celebrate Jesus’s birth. He was born to be King of the Jews. Jesus died with a crown of thorns, King of the Jews. With God’s grace, salvation extended to the Gentiles. News spread this past week with an atheist’s message in NYC’s Time Square, “Who needs Christ during Christmas?” This would not be the first time God was rejected.

King?

It was never God’s desire for Israelites to have a king to lead them, other than Himself, including His son, Jesus. The prophet Samuel grew old. The elders did not trust his two sons. They were more interested in dishonest gain by accepting bribes and perverting justice. The elders of Israel approached Samuel requesting a King, to be like all other nations. Samuel prayed to the Lord:

And the Lord told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their King. As they have done from the day I brought them out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you.” (1 Samuel 8: 7,8 NIV)

Consequences

This is a clear example how God will give us the desires of our heart, even if not His perfect will. The only thing, our desires outside His perfect will come with consequences. The Israelites would become oppressed. Samuel warned of military draft, high taxation, and the King’s power to make them into slaves. Even with these warnings, the people wanted to be like other nations with a King. This showed their lack of trust for God’s provision.

Jesus’s birthday

Back to this past weekend, I caught a glimpse of CNN’s interview with Chris Tomlin. Chris Tomlin, one of our top Christian artist, stated even if faced with possible arrest, he would declare Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ. The interviewer acted surprised, “Even if you were arrested?” Chris Tomlin with confidence replied, “Yes.” As the interview came to a close, he reported Chris Tomlin as the King of Christian music. The world is quick to make anyone a king. Elvis was king. Burgers are king. Tarzan was King of the jungle.

Celebrate!

The best news today, Jesus is King. He is King of all Kings, Lord of all Lords. We call Him Immanuel. He is the Messiah, the Savior of the world. It’s Motivating Monday! It’s time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Be encouraged!