O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger... O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! Psalm 8: 1-2 & 9
Close your eyes and picture the scene of Jesus’ birth. It’s probably nighttime with Mary and Joseph and the little baby laying peacefully in a straw-laden manger. A cow and lamb may fill the empty spaces of the room. Above is a bright light shining down on the small structure. It’s the scene shown over and over throughout the earth in church Christmas stories, front yard manger displays, Instagram and Facebook posts, and even blow up Christmas decorations.
I’ll be honest, until just recently I was “all in” with that peaceful, sweet panorama unfolding before me. Lately, however, as I’ve learned more about Old Testament prophecy, the history of the actual way of life and traditions of people in Judea, and the necessity of seeing Jesus as King, my picture has changed. And right on cue, just before I sat down to write this an Instagram post featuring Christian singer Phil Wickham popped up on my screen singing “Manger Throne.”
Glory be to You alone
Phil Wickham, Manger Throne chorus
King who reigns from a manger throne
My life, my praise, everything I own
To Jesus the King on a manger throne
Tied with our verse today I see the amazing and glorious God at work splitting the heavens apart for His entry with all majesty and power. I also see Him mending the world with humility and grace; a baby wrapped in basic, cotton cloth quietly sleeping. He is the Lion of Judah and the Lamb all at once.
So often the nativity scene shows no one touching the baby. Mary sits by with hands clasped either in prayer, reverence or delight. A curious posture for a mom with a newborn. She is possibly remembering the promise from God’s angel. That this sweet little child will be the Savior for all mankind. A promise that would seem too hard to completely grasp. As a mother myself, a promise that also might terrify me.
Jesus didn’t just come quietly into the world. It may have looked that way to us humans. But the battle God will have victory over is not just in this physical world but the spiritual realm. Jesus, the King — when He arrived that day — threw down the proverbial gauntlet. The demons knew. They immediately went to work trying to eliminate Him. The angels worked on God’s behalf to protect Jesus until He was ready to take evil on Himself.
This weekend, as you go about your day and see the nativity scenes in your home or around town, close your eyes and create a new picture. A picture of the King riding down to a little town called Bethlehem and planting His Holy flag in a manger. Declaring in glory and majesty that He shall reign, forever more!
Soli Deo Gloria. Amen.
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