When Jesus was born, many among His own people were waiting for a different kind of king—a conqueror draped in royal splendor, leading armies to overthrow their oppressors. They longed for a Messiah who would march into Jerusalem with power and force, casting off the chains of Roman rule and restoring Israel to earthly greatness. But God’s plan was far greater than their expectations.
Jesus did not come to reign over an earthly kingdom bound by time and borders. He came to establish an eternal kingdom ruled by justice, peace, and righteousness. The throne He claimed was not gilded in gold but a cross of shame, for He came not to conquer lands but to conquer sin and death because the Prince of Peace reigns forever.
This was not the King they had envisioned. Many sought power, yet He came in humility. They desired a warrior, yet He came as a servant. They expected liberation from Rome, yet He offered liberation from the deeper bondage of sin. The government upon His shoulders is not an earthly administration but the eternal rule of God’s justice and mercy. In His birth, God declared that His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts far surpass our understanding (Isaiah 55:8 AMP).
But the beauty of God’s plan is this: while many missed the King in the manger because He did not meet their expectations, for those with eyes to see and hearts to believe, He was everything they needed and more. He still is. The Prince of Peace did not come to meet our shallow desires but to provide what we desperately lack: forgiveness, peace, and eternal life, as the Prince of Peace reigns now and forever.
On this Christmas morning, let us marvel at the paradox of our Savior’s arrival. He did not come with armies or splendor, but in the humility of a manger. God Almighty wrapped in fragile flesh, born to redeem the broken, the lost, and the weary. Yet, within this seeming frailty lies the power to shatter sin, conquer death, and restore peace to a divided world.
This is the King we needed. The One who rules with love, humility, and power forevermore. Will you bow before Him today? Will you let His justice heal your wounds and His righteousness cover your sins? Let this Christmas not be about fleeting traditions but about eternal transformation found in Christ, acknowledging forever the reign of the Prince of Peace.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is well-pleased! (Luke 2:14 AMP).
A Prayer for Christmas Day:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. On this day, we celebrate the wonder of His birth, the power of His name, and the majesty of His kingdom. Let us remember that the Prince of Peace reigns forever, and let our hearts be filled with gratitude and awe as we reflect on Your love made manifest in Him. Help us to see past our own desires and expectations, and embrace the King You have given us. May we proclaim His name boldly and live in the peace and righteousness He brings. Let us press into You and seek Your face, more of You and less of us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.