Advent 1: Preparing for the Coming King
The visit of a King is very special.
The fame of earthly kings spread far and wide. Throughout their kingdom they are revered and feared. When an earthly king is coming to visit, his kingdom is a stir. Busy are the people of the king when they know of his impending arrival.
Heralds
Because of the importance of the king's visit, everything must be prepared and made right. For this reason there are servants of the king, called heralds, who visit before the king arrives. They announce his coming to the people and remind the people of his standard and his authority. They warn them and make sure that everything is ready. They prepare the people and the way for the king.
The People
Visits from the king are seldom and it is very special to have a chance to see him. Getting a glimpse of the king is exciting enough, but the opportunity to see the king close up is the chance of a lifetime. If the king is a good king the people will clamor to be near when he arrives, but even a bad king will draw an interested crowd. There is an affection and honor that comes with the title of king and his people eagerly await the announced visit.
The Everlasting King Comes
Heralds of the Everlasting King
The everlasting King has had many heralds. They began announcing his coming long before his arrival. In fact we can trace one such announcement all the way back to Adam and Eve in the garden. When they sinned and the world was cursed God promised a protector who would come and defeat the one who is working against His kingdom.
Then there were prophets sent before him as the time grew nearer. Some of them proclaiming his coming in a time of desperate need, and others speaking in a time of peace, but all of them clear that there is one to come who will rule well and defend the kingdom of God.
Isaiah 9:6-7
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.
Jeremiah 23:5-6
Behold, the days are coming," declares the LORD, "When I shall raise up for David a righteous Branch; and He will reign as king and act wisely and do justice and righteousness in the land. In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely; and this is His name by which He will be called, `The LORD our righteousness.
As everlasting kings visit arrived there was one more herald sent before the Him. John the Baptist was send as the final forerunner to the King. His role was to call for the repentance of the entire Kingdom. The people had forgotten the earlier announcements and were not living as if the King's visit was imminent. John was sent to remind the people that the King was coming and His Kingdom was near at hand.
Matthew 3:1-12
In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.’”
Preparing Ourselves
Christmas is a great reminder: At Christmas was must remember that our God and King visited long ago. He came just as the heralds had told us. His people rejected Him and so He turned his attention to a people in need of a loving and kind King. We can celebrate that King Jesus came to us.
The King has made his home with us: The everlasting King’s visit has been extended through the promise He made when he left. “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Our King has never, and never will truly leave us. He has promised to be with us always. Celebrate that King Jesus has made his home among his people.
Looking forward to the second arrival of the King: It is important to remember that our King has also promised that He will return again. Every year that we celebrate Christmas, we should together be looking forward to the next visit of our King. The everlasting King will return one day to completely establish His kingdom.
Inspiring Hymn
Life up your Heads to the Coming King
Lift up your heads to the coming King Bow before Him and adore Him sing To His Majesty, let your praises be Pure and Holy giving Glory to the King of Kings
- Steven Fry
