THE BIRTH OF A KING

As we enter another Christmas season let us contemplate what Christmas is all about; let us reflect on the fact that it speaks to us of God’s great gift to mankind. We were without hope <Eph.2:12> and unable to help ourselves because we were enemies of God. God saw that we were powerless in our attempt to escape the bondage of sin and did for us what we were unable to do; He gave His Son to free mankind from the slavery of sin <Rom.5:6-8>.

THE PROPHESY HIS BIRTH

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.” <Isa.9:6-7 (NIV)>

To us a Child of hope is born, To us a Son is given;

Him shall the tribes of earth obey, Him all the hosts of heaven.

 

His name shall be the Prince of Peace, For evermore adored,

The Wonderful, the Counsellor, The great and mighty Lord.

 

His power increasing still shall spread, His reign no end shall know;

Justice shall guard His throne above, And peace abound below.

                         [John Morison (1750-1798)]

THE PROCLAMATION OF HIS BIRTH

 

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” <Lk.2:10-12 (NIV)>

 

THE INTENT OF HIS BIRTH

“Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross!” <Phil.2:5-8 (NIV)>

Christ came into this world for the express purpose of offering Himself “the eternal” sacrifice for sins; and through His death on the cross we can be saved from the penalty of sin that we have inherited.

 

HIS ETERNAL REIGN

“Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns……The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever…. KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” <Rev.19:6; 11:15; 19:16 (NIV)>

Hallelujah; the intent of His birth has been achieved and salvation from sin has been accomplished, on a future day God will hand over the rule of government to His Son our Lord Jesus Christ; all the nations shall be brought under His righteous rule and He will reign for ever and evermore <Isa.9:7>. Then the redeemed ones, those that have accepted God’s gift, will stand around His Throne in glory and sing His praise forever.

“The strife is o’er the battle done,

The victory of life is won;

The song of triumph has begun – Hallelujah!

 

The powers of death have done their worst,

But Christ their legions hath dispersed;

Let shouts of holy joy outburst – Hallelujah!

 

Lord, by the stripes which wounded Thee,

From death’s dread sting Thy servants free,

That we may live, and sing to Thee – Hallelujah!

                 [Francis Pott; from the Presbyterian Book of Praise]

And He shall reign forever and ever, King of kings! and Lord of lords: And He shall reign forever and ever, King of kings! and Lord of lords! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!”  [from Handel’s Messiah]

Contemplate the joy it will be to join all the redeemed ones around God’s Throne.

 

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