Christmas Family Devotional Guide

KING OF KINGS

Revelation 19:16 says, “And He (speaking of Jesus) hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords."

Perhaps, Mark Twain was inspired by the life of Jesus when He wrote the famous children’s novel, “The Prince and the Pauper”. In that novel Twain tells the story of a young Prince Edward who trades places with a poor boy named Tom and learns about life outside the palace. Even though it’s a great story it can’t compare to the real life story of a King named Jesus, who leaves the splendor of His heavenly palace to be born and to live the life of a very common person.

It must have been very difficult for Mary and Joseph, and the shepherd to imagine, as they gazed into that manger there in Bethlehem, that this newborn babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, was a King of any kind much less the King of Kings. After all, there was no crown, no regal robe, no scepter, no throne, no coronation, and by no means could anyone mistake this stable for a palace. As a matter of fact, the only indication that this could be a King, were the gifts brought by the Wise men who came looking for the one born King of the Jews (Matthew 2:2). Their gifts gold, frankincense and myrrh were gifts worthy of a King.

There He was, not just any ole king, He was King of Kings. His birth was like so many others of His day. His life was lived with all the same struggles, trial, and temptations we all face. Yet He was different! The divine nature of our Creator God was wrapped up in His humanity. That little babe would offer His unblemished, sinless life as a sacrifice for our sin, die on a cross, be buried in a tomb, rise on the third day, and ascend to His Heavenly Father some 40 days later. This would be an amazing story if it ended right there, but it doesn’t. One day the Son will return to earth with His name “King of Kings, and Lord of Lords” emblazoned on His vesture and His thigh. So remember as you celebrate the birth of Christ, you are giving honor to the King above all other kings, King Jesus.