This was the press release that announced the birth of Prince William, newly arrived heir to the British throne back in 1982: “The Princess of Wales gave birth to a healthy, blue-eyed son last night after more than 13 hours of labour. She is well and Prince Charles was present at the birth.” Buckingham Palace said in the announcement, made amid champagne and cheers just before 10pm: “Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales was today safely delivered of a son at 9.03pm. Her Royal Highness and her son are both doing well.”
Some thirty-one years later, a slightly more modern statement announced the arrival of Prince George – William’s son: “Prince George was born at 4.24pm on 22nd July 2013 at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London. As the first child of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge he is third in line to the throne, and news of his birth was celebrated the world over. The Duke and Duchess left hospital with their new son on 23rd July. They paused on the steps of the Lindo Wing to allow the world to catch a first glimpse of the new-born prince. The Duke of Cambridge then safely installed his new son into the car seat, before he drove his family home to Kensington Palace.“
In just a few days the world will again celebrate the birth of a newborn king – King Jesus. While his natal day did not catch the attention of the world’s news organizations in the same ways these more recent births did; it was nonetheless celebrated with celestial rejoicing and earthly shock and awe. This greeting, compliments of angels and shepherds, would announce a birth with more lasting impact on humankind.
Here was the announcement: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Magi, traveling from their eastern homes would later alert the puppet King Herod of Jesus’ birth. Their visit and gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, paid homage to the boy king in ways that would trouble the paranoid ruler. In his opinion there was only room for one king in Judea.
I’ve been thinking about Jesus’ birth this week through this language of king and kingdom. Matthew’s Gospel says the Magi asked “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?” (Mt 2:2). Do you often think of Jesus as king? He is. The term “Christ’ means “anointed one” and is also translated “Messiah”. Kings are anointed when they assume the throne. Jesus came proclaiming “the kingdom of God is at hand”. He spoke more about that kingdom than almost any other topic.
But he is a king like no other. Isaiah describes him as a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Is 9:6-7) Rev. 11:15 says, “He shall reign forever and ever.” But what kind of king is born in a stable? What kind of king is announced to shepherds? What kind of king is whisked away to Egypt as a refuge? What kind of king tells us to “love your enemies” and “pray for those who persecute you”? A different kind of king! A king of an upside-down kingdom, by the world’s standards.
King Jesus in his humble, gentle, compassionate ways stands in such stark contrast to the strong man images of leadership so tiresomely being thrust upon the world today (and perhaps most days in history). Jesus comes as a servant king. He comes as a reconciling king. But make no mistake – he is also a triumphant king, one who sets things right. He has come to introduce a reign or rule of justice.
This kingdom, and that way of being king, has already been introduced and is among us even now. We simply have to embrace it and him. We have an invitation into such upside-down living by the King of Kings himself, who said, “Come, follow me”.
danielcash 