The Birthday of the Servant-King

This morning I was reading a series of scripture passages focusing upon the First Advent of Christ. I do this every year as a reminder of the real reason for the season. I have to admit that I never grow tired of reading the Christmas story in all its many settings, from Matthew and Luke, which record the actual events surrounding the birth of Christ, to John and Paul who declare the significance of who this little baby really was.

In reading the accounts in Matthew 2 and in Philippians 2, I noticed two very interesting statements that almost seemed contradictory. In Philippians 2:7, the Apostle Paul states that he made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. While in Matthew 2:2 we read of the question the magi asked of Herod, Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.

Now there is a marked difference between "a servant" and "a king." To be a king implies having something or someone to rule over. To be a king means to have authority over another. To be a king creates the environment where people submit themselves to that authority. The magi came to Jerusalem seeking a baby who had the authority of a king and who would specifically rule over the Jewish people. To be a king was to be exalted.

On the other hand, to be a servant implies having only an authority that someone else gives to you. A servant had no authority of his own. To be a servant means that one's life was given to enable someone else to rise to a higher standard than they were at that moment. To be a servant was to be humbled.

Were the magi confused as to who Jesus was? Was the Apostle Paul confused? Neither was confused. Both the magi and the Apostle were correct. But the time perspectives were different. Before He could become King, Jesus had to take upon Himself the role of a servant. While talking with His disciples, Jesus told them that He did not come to be served, as a king would be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many. All four gospel writers record incident after incident where Jesus served others: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And, His ultimate act of service came when He became obedient to death, even death on a cross. The First Advent is a celebration of His coming as a servant.

But, the Second Advent will be a celebration of His coming as a King. In that same Philippians 2 passage, in verses 9-11, the Apostle Paul declares that God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name. This the celebration accorded a king. And He will be King over everyone, not just the Jewish people. What a great day that will be!

So it is correct to say that Christmas is the birthday of Servant-King.

I wish a most blessed Christmas to each of you. May you experience His presence and be awed by His peace these days. Merry Christmas, and, as Tiny Tim would say, "God bless us, everyone!"