"The first noel, the angel did say, was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay... lay keeping their sheep on a cold winter's night that was so deep. Noel, noel...born is the king of Israel."
The Christmas carol is one of the most-often sung at Carols in the Domain. Each chorus ends with the phrase, "Born is the King of Israel." But wait a minute, you say, Christmas is about Jesus and therefore Christianity. And the King of Israel sounds Jewish. What does Christmas have to do with things Jewish?
Look, Jesus (his name in Hebrew is Yeshua) was a Jewish boy in his youth. He never converted to Christianity. He led a Jewish life in Israel. Born in Bethlehem, raised in Nazareth up north, and when he hit 30 years old, he began to preach the Kingdom of God in public. How did he do that? As the King of Israel, he could do so.
Jewish people had kings from about 1,000 years before Jesus was born. Saul was the first king of Israel. Then instead of Saul's son, Jonathan, Jonathan's friend David became king of Israel. Then David's son, Solomon became the king in David's place. After that we had kings for both the Southern areas of modern Israel (Then called "Judah") and the Northern parts of modern Israel (then called "Israel" or "Ephraim"). Kings included Jeroboam, Rehoboam, Uzziah, Hezekiah, and many others.
Kings are responsible for ruling. They reign. And they make executive decisions. And they decide from mighty nations far and wide. Sometimes they engage in warfare. They make alliances and care for their own people. Kings are responsible and smart. They seek advice and employ wisdom in their decisions making. Usually they are born in royalty and thus enjoy ease from their youth.
But Yeshua was different. He was born in a stable. He had no royal maids and servants to serve him. He came from King David's lineage but was born in poverty. He grew up in the home of Joseph and Miriam, in a little village of no significance. His father was a carpenter. No real time for books. No real time for laziness. He worked hard. He grew in wisdom from his youth.
At about age 30 he began what would be called 'public ministry.' He was an itinerant and mendicant. He observed Jewish holidays and attended synagogues and the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. He preached the Kingdom of God since He was the King. And HE proclaimed himself as Messiah, Saviour, and Lord.
His death is well recorded. His burial was almost immediate. Then on the third day, he rose from the dead there in Jerusalem. His authority was intact. His nature sublime and supreme. The King of Kings rose from death's dungeon.
And one day soon he's going to return. And his name, "King of Kings" will be written on his thigh and on his robe.
He is the king of all those who think they are kings.
He is the king of all those who dismiss him.
He is your king.
He is my king.
Christmas is about the birth of the king of Israel. And the king of everyone who puts their trust in him. Will you do that just now?
The Christmas carol is one of the most-often sung at Carols in the Domain. Each chorus ends with the phrase, "Born is the King of Israel." But wait a minute, you say, Christmas is about Jesus and therefore Christianity. And the King of Israel sounds Jewish. What does Christmas have to do with things Jewish?
Look, Jesus (his name in Hebrew is Yeshua) was a Jewish boy in his youth. He never converted to Christianity. He led a Jewish life in Israel. Born in Bethlehem, raised in Nazareth up north, and when he hit 30 years old, he began to preach the Kingdom of God in public. How did he do that? As the King of Israel, he could do so.
Jewish people had kings from about 1,000 years before Jesus was born. Saul was the first king of Israel. Then instead of Saul's son, Jonathan, Jonathan's friend David became king of Israel. Then David's son, Solomon became the king in David's place. After that we had kings for both the Southern areas of modern Israel (Then called "Judah") and the Northern parts of modern Israel (then called "Israel" or "Ephraim"). Kings included Jeroboam, Rehoboam, Uzziah, Hezekiah, and many others.
Kings are responsible for ruling. They reign. And they make executive decisions. And they decide from mighty nations far and wide. Sometimes they engage in warfare. They make alliances and care for their own people. Kings are responsible and smart. They seek advice and employ wisdom in their decisions making. Usually they are born in royalty and thus enjoy ease from their youth.
But Yeshua was different. He was born in a stable. He had no royal maids and servants to serve him. He came from King David's lineage but was born in poverty. He grew up in the home of Joseph and Miriam, in a little village of no significance. His father was a carpenter. No real time for books. No real time for laziness. He worked hard. He grew in wisdom from his youth.
At about age 30 he began what would be called 'public ministry.' He was an itinerant and mendicant. He observed Jewish holidays and attended synagogues and the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. He preached the Kingdom of God since He was the King. And HE proclaimed himself as Messiah, Saviour, and Lord.
His death is well recorded. His burial was almost immediate. Then on the third day, he rose from the dead there in Jerusalem. His authority was intact. His nature sublime and supreme. The King of Kings rose from death's dungeon.
And one day soon he's going to return. And his name, "King of Kings" will be written on his thigh and on his robe.
He is the king of all those who think they are kings.
He is the king of all those who dismiss him.
He is your king.
He is my king.
Christmas is about the birth of the king of Israel. And the king of everyone who puts their trust in him. Will you do that just now?
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