Introduction
Every year in December we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas day. The birth of Jesus Christ is a pivotal moment in all of human history. We often look at the baby in the manger and think of Christ coming to die for our sins, which we celebrate the following spring during Easter. While it is true that Christ came to die to redeem us from our sins, the story doesn’t end there. What we have with the coming of Christ is not just the spotless lamb of God, but the king who will reign on the throne of David forever. We even sing about the king’s birth in the Christmas song “Joy to the World.” This Christmas, let us celebrate both the birth of the savior and the birth of the king!
The King’s Coming Foretold
Isaiah the prophet was given great insights into who the coming messiah would be and what He would accomplish. His prophecies were written down so that to this day we can know with certainty who our messiah is. In Isaiah chapter nine we are told that God Himself will be coming as our savior, and his rule will have no end.
Isaiah 9:6-7
6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 7 There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.
Isaiah tells us that this child that will be born to us will have the government rest on His shoulders. Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16), and all authority has been given to Him in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). The rule of Christ is such that his kingdom has no end, and the increase of His government and peace has no end! This is not a prophecy of a king that is not yet enthroned, but a prophecy of the birth of a king that begins his rule. Jesus is mocked as the king of he Jews during his pre-crucifixion trial before Pilate, Pilate asks Jesus if He is the king of the Jews. Christ responds, “It is as you say” (Mark 15:2). Christ knew He was king, and so did Israel. His coming was foretold, and the prophecies were clear that He would be a king of the line of David.
Some might say that Christ is King, but He is not yet ruling. This is not what Christ declares in Matthew 28. He declares that all authority is His. He commands the obedience of the nations, and He is promised the obedience of the nations (Romans 16:26). All of His enemies are being made a footstool for His feet (Psalm 110:1). This is the power of the gospel, that God has brought salvation through Christ, He is giving His people a new heart, calling them into obedience, and His enemies will be conquered. The last enemy to be defeated is death, which takes place at the second coming. His rule does not begin at that time, instead, his victory is fully accomplished.
Tribute For A King
Christ is called the King of kings and Lord of lords. When there is a king over and above other kings, those lesser kings will bring tribute to the one greater than them. Psalm 72 refers to the reign of a king who has gifts, or tribute, brought to Him. Those other kings are lesser kings who bow down to the one true king.
Psalm 72:10-12
10 Let the kings of Tarshish and of the islands bring presents; the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts. 11 And let all kings bow down before him, all nations serve him.
Psalm 72 is a messianic psalm, prophesying the reign of a king who will forever sit on his throne. This coming king will be a righteous king and will be acknowledged by the giving of tribute from lesser kings. We see this play out in Christ’s lifetime. It is not something we are still waiting for, but He has already been acknowledged by other kings as a king of kings. The magi visit Jesus and give him gifts of frankincense, gold, and myrrh, and bow down to Him (Matthew 2:11). The magi are fulfilling Psalm 72, showing this small child to be a king above themselves. His rule began then, and we don’t have to wait for our king to return to be a part of His kingdom.
Conclusion
Since Christ is king, and we are His servants, we are to live our lives in obedience to Him. Peter tells us to be like obedient children to God (1 Peter 1:14). Is this how you live your life? If not, you are not living with Christ as Lord, even if you have “made Him lord of your life.” This Christmas, as you get together with friends or family and celebrate, remind yourself of why it is we truly celebrate. The one who was promised, the one whom the scriptures foretells of, was born of a virgin, and His government and peace will have no end. The King has come, his reign is now, and all glory is His.