“And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

The King of the cosmos entered humanity in the most humble form, born as a baby, vulnerable and hidden in the shadows of a city that had no room for him… bustling to the brim with displaced, disgruntled people, tired and taxed on every level, having been commanded to congregate by a ruler who wanted to count them and collect their money and validate his power.

And after the cry of this newborn King broke through the 400 year silence of the night, we see king Harod’s prideful insecurity as he feels his power threatened by this Baby – by the One whom wisemen traveled far as they followed the shimmering sign in the sky, seeking to worship this long-awaited One, this prophesy fulfilled.

Blinded by his fear, Harod’s distortion lead to horrific acts in order to attempt to eliminate One who might shift the spotlight off himself and come to rule centerstage.

This is the scene Jesus willingly entered into, in the most humble form. This is the sin Jesus willingly sacrificed His perfect life to save us from, in the most humble way possible.

This is the reality we can all too easily rush right over in the flittering of our flashy festivities.

“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given…” Isaiah 9:6a

Not only was Jesus born to save us from our sins. Not only was Jesus born to reign and rule as the King of all kings. He was born to us. He was given to us.

An incomprehensible, matchless Gift given from the fullness of God (John 1:16).

This beautiful truth hit me this Christmas like it never has before.

Being children of our culture, we might be inclined to think that the “magic of Christmas” fades the older we get.

But being children of the Kingdom, we are surprisingly delighted with the increased, ever-awakening wonder that accompanies Christmas as the weight and reality of it all sinks more deeply into our souls with each passing year.