A King Has Arrived
When You Look Into a Manger, What Do You See?
When we gaze upon the nativity scene each Christmas, what captures our attention? Is it simply a sweet baby lying in humble surroundings, or do we recognize something far more profound? The true good news of Christmas isn't just that a child was born in Bethlehem—it's that a king was born.
Why Seeing Jesus as King Matters
Too often, we keep Jesus in the manger and forget that He also sits on a throne. When we only see Him as a child, our faith can diminish Him to nothing more than a "man child"—someone who's grown up but remains childlike, cute and endearing but difficult to take seriously.
This perspective reduces Jesus to someone we might view as merely a nice guy who spreads joy and kindness. While these qualities are true, they represent only a fraction of who He truly is. Jesus was meant to be taken seriously because He is far more than just a good teacher or miracle worker.
A King Foretold 700 Years Before Christmas
The Prophecy in Micah
Seven hundred years before the first Christmas, the prophet Micah spoke to the city of Bethlehem: "You, O Bethlehem, Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel whose origins are in the distant past will come from you on my behalf."
Notice that the people of Israel weren't promised just a baby—they were promised a ruler, a king.
The Wise Men's Question
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem during King Herod's reign, wise men from eastern lands arrived asking a specific question: "Where is the newborn king of the Jews?" They weren't simply looking for a baby; they were seeking a king who would outrank any earthly ruler.
From Manger to Throne: Jesus' Journey as King
A King Praised by the People
As Jesus grew and began His ministry, His followers recognized His royal nature. In Luke 19, they sang: "Blessings on the king who comes in the name of the Lord." They saw Him not as a child, but as a king.
A King Rejected
However, when this king didn't give people what they wanted but instead offered what they needed, they rejected Him. The Roman soldiers mockingly crowned Him with thorns and taunted, "Hail, King of the Jews," before leading Him to crucifixion.
A King Reigning Today
After His resurrection, Jesus didn't return to the manger or Bethlehem. He ascended to sit at the right hand of His Father on a throne, reigning over all creation. As Colossians instructs us: "Set your sight on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God's right hand."
A King Coming Again
Revelation 19 gives us a glimpse of the future, describing Jesus returning on a white horse with "King of all kings and Lord of all lords" written on His robe. He came once as a child, reigns now as king, and will come again in power.
Why Does It Matter That Jesus Is King?
The Difference Between Parenting and Obeying
Understanding Jesus as king is crucial because a child must be parented, but a king must be obeyed. When we view Jesus only as a child, we might approach Him as if He needs our guidance—telling Him what to do, when to do it, and how to do it our way.
This approach treats Jesus like someone we can control or manipulate. But you don't approach a king that way. Kings have authority, power, and sovereignty. The proper response to a king is obedience, not instruction.
Jesus Prefers Obedience Over Birthday Celebrations
While celebrating Christmas is wonderful, Jesus would much rather have our obedience than our birthday parties. We can do both, but obedience must come first.
What Kind of King Is Jesus?
His Birth Reveals His Character
How Jesus was born tells us what kind of king He would be. Most kings are born in palaces with privilege, but Jesus' humble birth reveals a different kind of ruler.
A Humble King Who Welcomes All
When we look at the manger scene, we see:
Humility: Born in a stable, not a palace
Welcome for the weak and poor: His family's modest circumstances
Acceptance of the ordinary: Shepherds were among the first visitors
Supernatural power: Angels announced His birth
Authority over earthly rulers: King Herod trembled at news of His birth
Divine purpose: The magi's gifts revealed Him as prophet, priest, and king
Life Application
The good news of Christmas is that a king has been born—a humble king who cares deeply for His people. If Jesus really is king, then our only appropriate response is to give Him glory, honor, and our lives. This means not just believing in Him, but obeying Him and surrendering everything to His lordship.
This week, examine how you approach Jesus in your prayers and daily life. Are you treating Him like a child who needs your guidance, or are you honoring Him as the king He truly is?
Questions for reflection:
Do I approach Jesus with demands and expectations, or with submission and obedience?
What areas of my life am I still trying to control instead of surrendering to His kingship?
How can I better honor Jesus as king while still celebrating the wonder of His humble birth?
Remember, Jesus reigns from a manger throne—combining the humility of His birth with the authority of His eternal kingship. This Christmas, see both the child and the king, and respond with the worship and obedience He deserves.
