He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: [33] And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Luke 1:31-33

The word angel means “messenger,” and the angel Gabriel delivered a message of immense magnitude to the young, unsuspecting Mary. Though a virgin, she would become pregnant. Her newborn son was to be named Jesus (which means “The Lord is salvation”). And finally, her child would not be an ordinary child. He would be the Son of God. He would be King over an eternal kingdom.

Today is the day we (ostensibly) celebrate the birth of that king. Though we talk much about the wise men who brought kingly gifts, though we sing, “glory to the newborn king,” yet how easy it is to forget that Jesus Christ came to rule and reign.

Indeed, the first words Christ spoke when he began his public ministry were, “The kingdom of God has come near” (Mark 1:15). Who else but a king can make such a claim?

The angel’s promise could not have been clearer. Christ will reign forever. Isn’t it fitting that he reign today—this Christmas Day—in our hearts?

GOD’S PROMISE TO ME:

• Jesus is my Son.

• Jesus will reign forever.

MY prayer to God:

King Jesus, as I remember your birth this Christmas day, let me celebrate with great hope and joy. You rule the universe. Please reign also in my heart. Amen.