As the commercial rush of Christmas comes to an end and our decorations get tucked away for next year, it’s important to remember the truths of this holiday aren’t over. Jesus came for those who would humbly recognize Him as their King.
In the Christmas story, God revealed Jesus’ identity to the shepherds and wise men:
“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.” (Luke 2:8-9, ESV)
“And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.” (Matthew 2:11-12, ESV)
God didn’t notify the earthly rulers and kings of Jesus, our true King. Because if He did, their jealousy would get the best of them. Their pride, position, and power were at stake. Herod, an earthly king, spoke to the wise men about worshipping Jesus (Matthew 2:7-8), but he was actually “troubled” by this threat to the throne (Matthew 2:3). His motivation was to kill Jesus (Matthew 2:13-14). Jesus came to save those who would receive Him, and selfish rulers were not open to receiving Him.
Instead, God sent an angel to personally announce Jesus’ birth to the shepherds, a lower-class group of people. And when the wise men visited Jesus, they were given a warning in a dream to avoid Herod. God knew and He specifically chose these people who would stand before Jesus, knowing they would humbly worship Him.
Like the earthly kings, the wise men had wealth. But, instead of seeking self-promotion or greater power, the wise men used their wealth to honor Jesus. Their priority was encountering Jesus and laying gifts at His feet. These material gifts demonstrated the wise men knew who Jesus truly was – king (gold), priest (frankincense), and our Savior who would die on a cross for us (myrrh). They weren’t looking to Jesus for earthly power or treasures. They knew He was their greatest treasure.
Jesus came for all of us who would receive Him. And the story doesn’t end there.
Jesus, the Son of God, came for us. And although He lived a perfect life, He chose to identify with us. He deserved the greatest, but became the lowest. He knew no sin, but related to our broken, sinful selves to save us from death.
Jesus came for us. He also came to identify with us.
“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21, ESV)
“who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:6-11, ESV)
“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:14-16, ESV)
And here’s the thing: He didn’t have to any of this. God didn’t have to allow it, either. But, out of love, Jesus wanted to.
Jesus loved us so much more than to simply come for us and make a guest appearance on Earth. He didn’t leave us when we sinned, or when we continue to sin. Instead, He gives us grace – a favor we could never earn, but get to receive. Jesus came for us, and He stays with us through the presence of the Holy Spirit within us.
Jesus came for us, not as a distant ruler or merciless master, but as King, as high priest, as our friend and Savior. He understands the depths of our struggles and challenges, and He chooses to walk with us through every detail. He rejoices through every celebration with us, too.
So, how do we let these truths impact our lives beyond the Christmas season? How can we carry this confidence of Jesus’ presence in our lives into the new year?
- We draw near to God, knowing He will draw near to us (James 4:8).
- We renew our minds with the truth of who Jesus is and the power He has (2 Corinthians 10:4-5, Romans 12:2).
- We allow the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, to guard our hearts and minds. (Philippians 4:6-7, Isaiah 26:3).
- We cast our cares on Jesus, who cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).
- We abide in Christ and seek relationship with Him (John 15).
Practically, this may mean giving over your thoughts to God before going to vent to someone else. Or giving your drama to God before it becomes gossip. It means praying about your worries instead of overthinking and trying to handle it on your own. Invite God into those spirals and let His peace calm you. This may mean keeping your quiet time routines, even when you’re tired. It may not look the same in every season or in each day, but making that intentional effort to meet with Jesus is the most important. This means embracing sanctification, choosing to obey and persevere in faith, and depend on Jesus in all things.
Jesus came for us and He identified with us. As we walk out each day, we have assurance that He is with us, empowering and equipping us to handle whatever comes our way. While at Christmastime we focus on Christ’s arrival, let’s remember the impact His presence and power have on us today…the greatest gift we could ever receive.
Consider the Joy 
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