Can you remember how the world waited with excitement and almost breathlessly for this baby? This birth received much attention before, during and after it happened.  The news media were racing to see which one would be first to cover the event.  There was obsession about this birth.

   This was the birth of a king.  It was the first child of Prince William and Princess Kate of the British Royal Family.  We know now that the name of this child, born to be king, is George.

   There is really not much comparison between the birth of this future king of England and the birth of King Jesus.  True, both births were anticipated and celebrated.  George was born to a palace couple supported by royalty, in a posh hospital.  The announcement of this birth was made to the world by Queen Elizabeth, the great grandmother and current ruling monarch.

   On the other hand, King Jesus was born to a poor, peasant couple.  Luke wrote that an angel appeared to young Mary and told her that she was highly favored by God and she would have a child.  Although she was engaged to Joseph, she was concerned because she was not yet married. 

   She knew the repercussions and hatred that would follow from her community.  However, Mary agreed and said, “I am the Lord’s servant.  May it be to me as you have said.”  Eventually, Mary gave birth to King Jesus.  This king was born in a stable surrounded by animals.  There was no light, no doctor or even a midwife, just Joseph and the smell of the animals.

   This miraculous, divine event went unnoticed by both the Jewish nation, and the Roman Empire which controlled the area at the time.  The announcement of the birth of Jesus was made by an angel to hired, poor and lowly shepherds who were out in the fields that night.  The message was, “Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2: 10).

   Suddenly a great company appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to all on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2: 14).

   It is sad that in our day King Jesus does not get the recognition and praise that he deserves.  We have allowed commercialism to rob us of the blessings of appropriate allegiance and celebration of Jesus Christ the King of kings and the Lord of lords.  He himself said that we give him lip service but our hearts are far from him. 

   Although King Jesus was almighty God who came to us as a person, his life was threatened from day one.  Herod pretended he wanted to worship baby Jesus but he was seeking to kill him.  He murdered Jewish infants in trying to destroy baby Jesus but Mary and Joseph fled with him to Egypt for safety.  Jesus was hated by the High Priest, Pharisees, scribes and others.  He was accused wrongfully, condemned at a false trial and sentenced to death.  Pilate said he found no fault in Jesus but the religious leaders demanded his death and the release of the murderer Barabbas.  Fortunately, King Jesus was raised from the dead and is alive forevermore.

   In spite of all these experiences, Jesus never flinched from showing his love for all of humankind.  He chose to die in our place rather than give up on us.  There is no greater love than that shown to us by King Jesus.  To accept King Jesus as our Savior and Lord is to acknowledge the fulfillment of God’s promises and God’s love for you and me and all of humanity.

   Christmas this time will be very different from previous years.  There is excessive suffering and pain related to the Covid-19 pandemic.  Travel is curtailed.  Family gatherings are limited.  Church attendance is affected.  Millions will be experiencing unemployment, illness or death of family or friends. Too many are experiencing hopelessness. 

   However the story of the birth of King Jesus is so inspiring and powerful that it needs no explanation or interpretation, only my sharing it for your benefit and blessing.

   As you celebrate Christmas this year, let us not try to make it the normal annual tradition to which we have been accustomed.  This Christmas let us take some time to meditate on what Christmas is really about. 

   Let King Jesus be the center of your celebration.  Give him the rightful place in your life and see the difference that will make for you.

   Have a blessed Christmas celebration!   Experience the love, hope, love, joy, peace, and comfort which King Jesus offers to all who will accept.  May the New Year bring the fulfillment of your hopes, dreams, and aspirations.  Know that you are loved