The Gospel narrative gives an interesting dialogue between Herod, King of Judea, and wise men from the East who were following a star that led them to a young child. Matthew 2:1-3 states:

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

What troubled Herod was the threat he felt to his power. Another king had come, this one “born to be king”, not installed by the Romans as he had been. Herod craved the adulation of the crowd, the worship of man, and he also feared rivals. They must be dealt with. He had heard that visitors from the east, learned men, had come to worship another king, the true King. This was troubling, so much so that he sought to find this child . . . Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him (Matthew 2:8). It was a ruse, Herod had no intent to worship, but to destroy. That’s what you do when you are consumed with megalomania.

As the Christmas season is upon us, the question we ask is, who is this King of Glory? If we cut through all the commercialism, the pseudo-religious trappings and the “happy holiday” greetings, we begin to see a wonderful opportunity to point others to Jesus. He still is the reason for the season in so many ways and He is so needed in our day.

Jesus will always be troubling to pseudo kings, religious devotees, and commercial entrepreneurs. He offers something that none of these can offer. He offers each of us the gift that can change our eternal destiny. A gift that allows contentment in all circumstances. Jesus freely offers love and forgiveness to all who come in repentance by faith, acknowledging their need for forgiveness.

Christmas is a time for us as the body of Christ to rejoice and sing with praise that the promise of the greatest gift ever was given. Jesus was born, the King of glory! We give thanks and are in awe that the cradle led to the cross and that the tomb led to a resurrected Savior! We proclaim the truth of the Gospel with great joy.

Contemporary artists Third Day sing the song that asks the question many tend to ask at Christmas, “who is this King of glory?” You and I have the answer. This Christmas, let us look for opportunities to point others to Jesus by declaring who this King of glory is, and what He can do for each who comes to Him in faith.

Wishing you all a very joy-filled Christmas as you proclaim this King of Glory to others!

Rev. Bill Allan
AGC President

POINTING THEM TO JESUS: Who is this King of Glory?