Well, here we are in December. Exams are over for our high school students, the year is winding down, and preparations for Christmas are getting under way. It is going to be a different type of Christmas celebration this year for many of us, I am sure. So whether we have our tree up yet, or have finished our Christmas shopping, let’s keep focused on the real meaning and message of Christmas. We began the year with he message of “keeping our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” And this is how I want to finish the year out – keeping our eyes focused on Jesus. He is the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. In Australia, we elect a Prime Minister every three years. It is an important day for our nation, and sometimes highlights the deep divisions in our society. In between times, we elect our state premiers, and then our local government representatives. As we draw near to Christmas in this Advent season, no matter what political party we vote for, or how divided we might be over our political leanings, or even our religious affiliations or denomination, this is a time for Christians to unite in worship and adoration and with the highest allegiance to our King Jesus, His life, message and ministry, His death and resurrection. This is a season to put aside the things that divide us, and look instead to the One who unites us with His love and kindness. Jesus the Messiah, the Christ, the King.
Isaiah prophecies of a king who would come and reign in justice and righteousness. We see this hope in this well-known passage from Isaiah 9:6-7 (NLT) “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulder, And he will be called: Wonderful Counsellor, 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!
The gospels of Matthew and Luke both want us to know from the start that Jesus has come as the anointed one. The Christ, the promised King. Not born to nobility, not rich, or powerful. But born to a humble family and raised by a carpenter. He came to establish His kingdom here on earth, not by force, but through love, forgiveness and sacrifice. He calls us to yield our lives to him and offer Him our meagre gifts and talents for His service. Let all that we do honour Jesus, the Messiah, the King, and may we all receive a fresh vision for God‟s Kingdom coming here on earth as it is in Heaven.
Glenda Noordam