Introduction
Many people will tell you Christmas is a time of giving, and this is true. Christmas is probably the only occasion in the history of humankind in which gift-giving is the main activity. Others may say Christmas is a time for family and friends to gather and enjoy each other’s company. Some may think of Christmas as a time to make changes in the home or their wardrobes, to upgrade and update their lives. All of this may be key, but can it be a pragmatic analysis of the birth of Christ? Have we drifted from the core? Christmas was an experience of joy at the birth of a baby who would become the Savior of the world. When we raise ancillary interests above the heart of the event, we replace realism with idealism and obscure our understanding of Christmas. Christmas gave the world three vital blessings: a King, a Light, and a Ruler-Shepherd.
A King for the Jews
Where is the newborn King of the Jews? (Matthew 2:2)
The prophets spoke of Christ’s coming several hundred years before he arrived, “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit” (Isaiah 11:1). The Jews hoped, anticipated, and waited for their Messiah. During the time of Babylonian captivity, the Jews were scattered throughout the Middle East and, even after they returned to their land, were dispersed in Asia, Africa, and Europe. Wherever they went, their faith was shared, and hence, the coming of the Messiah was not only expected by the Jews, but by many nations. This King would deliver them from years of bondage and persecution.
“The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteous Savior”
(Jeremiah 23:5-6)
The coming of Israel’s King was spoken of by notable Roman historians:
An ancient and settled persuasion prevailed throughout the East that the Fates had decreed some one to proceed from Judea who should attain universal empire.” (Suetonius)
“Many were persuaded that it was contained in the ancient books of their priests, that at that very time the East should prevail, and that some one should proceed from Judea and possess the dominion.” (Tacitus)
The wise men were convinced of Christ’s arrival; their question was not, “is there a newborn king??” but “where is the newborn king of the Jews?” The King was affirmed by the star, which led these wise men to Jesus. Though they were astrologers, how could they have known of the birth of Jesus? This knowledge was revealed to them by God and fulfilled the Biblical prophecy in Numbers 24:17, “A star will come out of Jacob.”
Two essential characteristics of stars are their luminosity and magnitude. Luminosity speaks to its intrinsic brightness and magnitude articulates dimensions: breath, strength, and importance. Jesus was born to brighten our world and rescue people from pain and misery. Any question of His ability to accomplish this goal was canceled by the names ascribed to Him in Isaiah’s prophecy, “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Such labels truly depict a Royal King. Jesus is essential because He enhanced the world.
A king inherits his position by right of birth; he is the most important asset to his country. Christmas was an occasion that heralded Israel’s King, the Son of God, Who was the Savior of the entire world. Thank you, Israel, for the greatest Head of State in the history of humanity.
A Light
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned (Isaiah 9:2).
The prophet Isaiah had a vision of the coming Messiah, and he saw a light shining on desolate and disenchanted drifters. Christ came at a particularly dark period in Israel’s history as various rulers ruined the region with immorality and idolatry. Religious privileges were limited, and God’s people were oppressed. Darkness was also evident in the ignorance among people who were headed for disaster. This scenario is striking in its applicability to our current atmosphere. Isn’t it interesting that the world’s problems throughout the ages, even today, remain the same? It thus presupposes that darkness is a central facet of earthly existence. Christ is the Light that breaks the dusk with the promise of an everlasting glow.
Light is a symbol of knowledge, joy, rejoicing, hope, and freedom. It opposes darkness and depravity but is aligned with purity and morality. Light stands out in dismal places; it is made for darkness. The impression of a Savior can boast of its realism as it did not bring with it an expectation of perfection but a deliverance from distress.
All people are subject to this world’s ills, but not all people share the hope of Christ. On earth, Christ was a light among His followers and friends. Light guides, comforts, and shines. Christ was born to enlighten the dull, comfort the desolate and shine in the hearts of men so that with His light, they can become light themselves.
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). What a bold and endearing remark! This claim echoes the words of His Father, long before He was born, “I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations” (Isaiah 42:6). Christmas salutes the Light that brought focus and perspective to an unstable world.
A Ruler-Shepherd
“And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel”
(Matthew 2:6).
Jesus was born King of the Jews, Messiah, and Savior, but He was also born to rule. Note here that His rulership will epitomize shepherd-like governance. A shepherd tends his flock with tenderness and faithfulness. Throughout the scriptures, Christ is referred to as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep (John 10:11). This gives us a glimpse into the characteristics of Jesus, an embodiment of love, compassion, and faithfulness.
Micah 5:4 further defines Christ’s leadership, “And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth.” When we look at the world’s governing system that relies solely on men’s abilities and aspirations, Christ’s rulership ranks superior and far more dependable. God is perfect (Psalm 18:30), but man is subject to his unbridled ambitions. What folly it is to place our trust in the plans and policies of man!
Christ came to offer a different perspective of authority, which concentrates on guarding, guiding, gathering, and giving. Jesus is called the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:3), the Great Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20), and the Shepherd of souls (1 Peter 2:25). However, this does not diminish His ability to rule justly. Revelation 2:27 tells us that He will rule with a “rod of iron,” which references His plan for those who oppose His Kingdom.
As a contrast to this world’s empires, Christ’s Kingdom is everlasting (Isaiah 9:7; Luke 1:33). His rule extends to heaven, “For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 7:17). Governments come and go, and they are forgotten just as fast as they do, but the King of Kings reigns forever, and nations remember His goodness (Psalm 146:10; Deuteronomy 8:2).
Christmas introduced righteous rulership to an unjust society and encouraged people to remove their blindfolds to unveil the Governor of the human spirit.
Conclusion
As time passes, Christmas seems to be losing its sanctity. People make Christmas about food, family, and gifts, while the birth of the Savior remains insignificant. How offensive! The reason the world is ecstatic at Christmas cannot be attributed to mere decorations or traditions. Instead, Christ was born; He became the Savior, Light, and Ruler-Shepherd that that blessed the world with peace and promise. Christmas is an appropriate time to replace our fancies with realistic notions of the birth of Christ.
