Savior -- and KING!

David Being Anointed as King

I've worked as a pastor for 25 years.  But through these 25 years I've never understood the Christmas story in the way I do this year. 

Yes, I have seen how Jesus was born in the midst of danger and political machinations -- Caesar Augustus, Quirinius; the Roman Empire, Syria.  Mary and Joseph being ordered to appear in Joseph's ancestral home.  And poverty too: neglected by relatives, giving birth in a stable, attended by shepherds.  This is God coming to be with us in the lowest and most vulnerable way.  And, yes, I've recognized Jesus as Savior -- coming to this earth to save us from our sins. 

But I've never focused on what seems to be the main point.  The one who be born in the birthplace of King David is born to fulfill promises given through King David.  As we will read in Isaiah 9:

    ... A child is born to us,
      a son is given to us.
    The government will rest on his shoulders.
      And he will be called:
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
      Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
    His government and its peace
      will never end.
    He will rule with fairness and justice
      from the throne of his ancestor David
      for all eternity.
    The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies
      will make this happen!

Please pray that this Christmas Eve we will properly welcome and proclaim Jesus as King!

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