Advent 4: Long Wait Over

The Long Wait Was Over

In a small town of no stature, in the stable of a home of little regard, in a lowly manger lay the Everlasting King who had come to save the entire human race. No child has ever been born with so lofty expectations. Heavy is the head of the King who wears that title. Yet there He was, a baby wrapped in cloth like all the people whom He has come to save.

The people of God were primed for a king. The Israeli people of Jesus time had only known an occupied Jerusalem. They had been under Roman rule for some time. Their hope stemmed from promise that God had made long ago that He would establish a forever King.

Psalm 2:6-10

“As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.”

I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.”

Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth.

Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon[a] his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Zechariah 9:9

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Christmas

On Christmas, we celebrate the end of their wait. God sent His King and this child would one day save a people for God.

Seeing the New King

Since the King's birth happened in such a non-descript way, there was not much fanfare. People did not come streaming in and crowding the stable. The Child did not need a bigger receiving room. His only visitors were some shepherds and wise men came to see the child who was Born King. They bowed their knees and worshiped Jesus. They gave gifts and left his presence rejoicing.

But that was it....

Though there were few who recognized His Kingship, there were others who feared the promise of this coming King. King Herod would not bow to Him, but instead defied Him and tied to kill him. Still others would revile Him and persecute Him. Until the point of His death, the question was still being asked.

Matthew 27:11

Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?”

Matthew 27:37

“This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.”

Every Knee Will Bow

One day none will defy Him. One day the mocking will end. One day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess His majesty and authority. His enemies will become His footstool and His Kingdom will last forever!

Celebrate the Everlasting King today!