Advent Day 17 – The Newborn King

“He shall be called wonderful counselor, might God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

 

Jesus was born a King.  His first title, according to the Isaiah passage, was “wonderful counselor.”  On its face, this seems to assert that Jesus was going to be a wise and compassionate listener, advice giver, or life coach.  And indeed, He was those things.  But that is not what the prophecy is pointing toward.

Jesus was born to be a king; the continuity and fulfillment of the family line of David. In fact, the genealogy provided in Matthew 1:1-17, introduces Jesus as a member of the royal family line of David.  Through that genealogy Matthew’s gospel indicates that Jesus was legally entitled to receive the throne.  He was the fulfillment of the house, the lineage, and the promises made concerning David’s family.

It was for that reason that Mary and Joseph returned to their hometown of Bethlehem, the birthplace of King David himself.  What more appropriate place for the final Davidic king to be born?

Jesus was born to be a king.  The King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, the Book of Revelation tells us.  In the Old Testament, a king was referred to as a “counselor;” ideally one who gives wise direction and leadership.  A king should be, as Solomon certainly showed, a wise person.  A wise leader.

Jesus was born to be a king.  “And the government shall be upon His shoulders….” He is a “wonderful” king.  An awesome king.  An astonishing king.  An eternal king.

Jesus was born to be king.  One day Jesus will sit upon the throne of this world.  Until then, we await the king’s arrival.

Jesus was born to be king.  And at Christmas, we bow before this great king over all of creation.  He is worthy of our adoration and worship and devotion.

He is, after all, a king.