Last year, “Unconventional” became Advent: preparing us for the radical entry of the divine into the human world, with brief thoughts on the four days leading up to Christmas. That seemed to resonate, so let’s explore one of the most haunting carols and give four answers to the question, “What Child is This?” Short posts to help you focus on one aspect of Jesus’ entry on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Here’s the second!
Jesus first came as a human. As a human, he lived and died. Unlike most, he came back to life before returning to heaven. The baby Jesus was safe and cute. Cuddly. Adorable. But on his second coming, we’ll see him as a conquering king. Halfway through the carol we read, “The King of Kings salvation brings, let loving hearts enthrone Him. This, this is Christ the King.” No longer just the helpless infant laid in a manger. The carol reveals a fresh dimension: Jesus as king…
Many criticize God for the presence of evil. A loving and powerful God should eliminate pain and evil, right? He will, and this truth lies at the heart of Christmas. John the apostle describes Jesus’ next visit, “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns…He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God…Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. ‘He will rule them with an iron scepter.’ He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” (Revelation 19:11-16).
Upon coming as the king of kings and lord of lords, Jesus will bring an end to evil and pain and injustice (to explore this more fully, please read Matthew 35:31-46).
Kick Starting the Application
Think about Jesus returning as King to judge us all, to eliminate evil. Are you ready for the results of Christmas? We do that first by being in the right relationship with him, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). If you haven’t done this, I encourage you to live out the meaning of Christmas. And feel free to contact me if you have any questions about that. 😊
For those who have this relationship with Jesus as Savior and Lord, continue to grow in Christlikeness. Examine each aspect of your life—when Jesus returns, will he be pleased?