Throughout history, kings of this world have commonly been known to carry the outward representation of royalty by displaying attributes of strength, wisdom, and honor. It only seems natural, then, that the coming of an unconventional King set apart from this world would arrive in a way that many were not expecting. After all, weary waiters of the Messiah might have questioned, “how could a child rescue us from mature turmoil?” But it was those who did understand—the inspired shepherds and star-struck wise men—who recognized who had finally appeared that truly experienced the miracle of that night when meeting the long-awaited Savior of the world. By actively waiting, faithfully following, and fully opening themselves up to receive the unexpected way God was moving, these believers saw this unique birth for what it really was; the gift of a perfect deliverer promising the redemption of humanity once and for all.

Renditions of the Christmas story cannot help but put a sentimental lens over the immaculate birth to show the humanity of Jesus — such remembrance deeply resonates with us as we ponder how the Creator touched earth in the likeness of man. But what happens when we take time to contemplate Christ’s divinity as a child in the flesh and the significance of recognizing his power as the worthiest King in this once tender infant state? While being revealed in the presence of a baby boy, scripture affirms that this was no ordinary child to begin with. In fact, his very presence would cause people to react in unprecedented ways. As Luke 2:13 illuminates, this was the otherworldly ruler that would, as the shepherds witnessed in amazement, give rise to a host of angels parading the open sky with an incomparable celebration—a celestial ode set apart from any other regal greeting in existence. When remembering this, we too can reorient reverence in our lives for this King, even as we emphasize the original image of a fragile baby resting peacefully in a stable manger—righteousness in his quietness, mighty in his meekness, from the very first breath.

Unlike earthly kings, Jesus was not given a title to uphold over a designated land. He owned his matchless title before the universe began, and through the Incarnation, actualized his heaven-sent position among us by becoming Immanuel, the one who dwells in the depths with his own. Isaiah 9:6 further adorns this majestic child with titles unlike any other authority to be known, an ever-fitting list for the Most High of a never fading Kingdom: “And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” As we ruminate over each holy name, we come to find a plethora of insight into the person and character of Christ. Names such as Wonderful Counselor establish that this baby was a wise teacher filled with unimaginable wonder. Mighty God declares this child was simultaneously God who upheld infinite strength. Everlasting Father beams with enduring paternal splendor, accentuating the infinite love and care for all of Creation. And names like Prince of Peace shower jewels of delight on how he embodied royal shalom from the start.

Of course, coming to the realization that God voluntarily took on the form of a baby to bring about restoration for Creation compels no greater response than to worship, like children ourselves, in total awe and wonder. One look at the Magi’s revelatory response to Jesus’ arrival shows this very behavior being displayed. These enlightened travelers would stop at nothing until they found his location and welcomed the divine Christ child with praise fit for a king like no other. Matthew 2:2 captures a glimpse of their wild curiosity and pure desire to meet him: “Who is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” We can only imagine the excitement rising in their expectant hearts as they neared the lowly destination with symbolic presents. But then came the priceless experience of laying their eyes on him for the first time: “And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him'' (Matthew 2:11). For them, simply gazing upon Jesus was to encounter instant life change.

What if we held this adoring posture beyond the Christmas season? When we make time to continually revisit the reality of what took place that evening in Bethlehem, we make room for an all-in worship to wash over our entire being—no matter the season we find ourselves in. Suddenly, we begin to marvel at how the heart of God, wrapped in sacred flesh, beat zealously inside the newborn frame of Jesus. We find our own hearts begin to soften and a child-like nature is reawakened from within. Small in size yet enormous in emotion, we start to reckon with the beauty that this blend between infant and King—the most sensitive, servant-hearted combination God could ever choose. This shows us the incalculable capacity of God’s heart, so moved by compassion to humble himself in mortal form for our sake. It is the revelation of the phenomenal lengths and depths to which God goes to pursue and restore humanity.

Ultimately, by observing Christ’s humanity from its earliest beginnings, a new door has been opened for us to highlight his divinity in a fresh way—what lively epiphany this brings! As the rush of a new year briskly approaches, let us pause to remember the fragrant offering that Jesus was and the all-sufficient sacrifice he would become. This might look like closing our eyes and imagining his real, flesh-formed journey from heaven, to earth, and eventually, to the cross. It might look like exploring scripture that reveals more of his manifestation. It might even simply look like cherishing the sweet company of a child in the world today, who reflects the image of the firstborn over all Creation. Finally, in everything we do, may we always take time to acknowledge and honor his complete reign as the King whose throne is that of grace—then, now, and forevermore. Amen.

Throughout history, kings of this world have commonly been known to carry the outward representation of royalty by displaying attributes of strength, wisdom, and honor. It only seems natural, then, that the coming of an unconventional King set apart from this world would arrive in a way that many were not expecting. After all, weary waiters of the Messiah might have questioned, “how could a child rescue us from mature turmoil?” But it was those who did understand—the inspired shepherds and star-struck wise men—who recognized who had finally appeared that truly experienced the miracle of that night when meeting the long-awaited Savior of the world. By actively waiting, faithfully following, and fully opening themselves up to receive the unexpected way God was moving, these believers saw this unique birth for what it really was; the gift of a perfect deliverer promising the redemption of humanity once and for all.

Renditions of the Christmas story cannot help but put a sentimental lens over the immaculate birth to show the humanity of Jesus — such remembrance deeply resonates with us as we ponder how the Creator touched earth in the likeness of man. But what happens when we take time to contemplate Christ’s divinity as a child in the flesh and the significance of recognizing his power as the worthiest King in this once tender infant state? While being revealed in the presence of a baby boy, scripture affirms that this was no ordinary child to begin with. In fact, his very presence would cause people to react in unprecedented ways. As Luke 2:13 illuminates, this was the otherworldly ruler that would, as the shepherds witnessed in amazement, give rise to a host of angels parading the open sky with an incomparable celebration—a celestial ode set apart from any other regal greeting in existence. When remembering this, we too can reorient reverence in our lives for this King, even as we emphasize the original image of a fragile baby resting peacefully in a stable manger—righteousness in his quietness, mighty in his meekness, from the very first breath.

Unlike earthly kings, Jesus was not given a title to uphold over a designated land. He owned his matchless title before the universe began, and through the Incarnation, actualized his heaven-sent position among us by becoming Immanuel, the one who dwells in the depths with his own. Isaiah 9:6 further adorns this majestic child with titles unlike any other authority to be known, an ever-fitting list for the Most High of a never fading Kingdom: “And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” As we ruminate over each holy name, we come to find a plethora of insight into the person and character of Christ. Names such as Wonderful Counselor establish that this baby was a wise teacher filled with unimaginable wonder. Mighty God declares this child was simultaneously God who upheld infinite strength. Everlasting Father beams with enduring paternal splendor, accentuating the infinite love and care for all of Creation. And names like Prince of Peace shower jewels of delight on how he embodied royal shalom from the start.

Of course, coming to the realization that God voluntarily took on the form of a baby to bring about restoration for Creation compels no greater response than to worship, like children ourselves, in total awe and wonder. One look at the Magi’s revelatory response to Jesus’ arrival shows this very behavior being displayed. These enlightened travelers would stop at nothing until they found his location and welcomed the divine Christ child with praise fit for a king like no other. Matthew 2:2 captures a glimpse of their wild curiosity and pure desire to meet him: “Who is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” We can only imagine the excitement rising in their expectant hearts as they neared the lowly destination with symbolic presents. But then came the priceless experience of laying their eyes on him for the first time: “And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him'' (Matthew 2:11). For them, simply gazing upon Jesus was to encounter instant life change.

What if we held this adoring posture beyond the Christmas season? When we make time to continually revisit the reality of what took place that evening in Bethlehem, we make room for an all-in worship to wash over our entire being—no matter the season we find ourselves in. Suddenly, we begin to marvel at how the heart of God, wrapped in sacred flesh, beat zealously inside the newborn frame of Jesus. We find our own hearts begin to soften and a child-like nature is reawakened from within. Small in size yet enormous in emotion, we start to reckon with the beauty that this blend between infant and King—the most sensitive, servant-hearted combination God could ever choose. This shows us the incalculable capacity of God’s heart, so moved by compassion to humble himself in mortal form for our sake. It is the revelation of the phenomenal lengths and depths to which God goes to pursue and restore humanity.

Ultimately, by observing Christ’s humanity from its earliest beginnings, a new door has been opened for us to highlight his divinity in a fresh way—what lively epiphany this brings! As the rush of a new year briskly approaches, let us pause to remember the fragrant offering that Jesus was and the all-sufficient sacrifice he would become. This might look like closing our eyes and imagining his real, flesh-formed journey from heaven, to earth, and eventually, to the cross. It might look like exploring scripture that reveals more of his manifestation. It might even simply look like cherishing the sweet company of a child in the world today, who reflects the image of the firstborn over all Creation. Finally, in everything we do, may we always take time to acknowledge and honor his complete reign as the King whose throne is that of grace—then, now, and forevermore. Amen.