A future king is born

Royal fans across the world were delighted at the recent announcement that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are expecting their first baby.  It was only in in April we saw the birth of Prince William and Kate’s son, so excitement is building again as we wait to hear details of the next royal birth.

Giving birth to a royal baby though, comes with a lot of rules, procedures and expectations, e.g. an extensive medical team on hand at an exclusive maternity ward, a town crier announces the news and an official notice posted in front of Buckingham Palace.

In contrast, two thousand years ago, the Son of God was born in the most humble of places.  Mary & Joseph had travelled for miles to Bethlehem.  With no room in the inn, baby Jesus was born in a stable surrounded by animals.  He didn’t have a crib but instead was placed in a manger.  Does that sound like the kind of place a King should be born?

But Jesus is not like other kings.  He didn’t live in a palace, he didn’t wear beautiful robes or jewel-encrusted crowns.  He wasn’t served and waited on, Jesus led a humble life and served others.  He wanted to heal the sick and tell everyone about God’s kingdom.

The safe arrival of any baby is good news, but the birth of Jesus is great news for us all; that Jesus came into this world because God loves us. 

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Saviour has been born.”

The birth of Jesus gives everyone a hope for the future.  He is the living King, he’s coming again, and his Kingdom will last forever.  So, let’s not forget to remember Jesus this at this special time of year, a royal birth unlike any other.

Useful passage to look up: Revelation ch17 v14

Photo by Pro Church Media on Unsplash