by Allison Kemp
“31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”
It is not often that on a birth announcement the eternal fate of the child is stated. This statement was the initial notification given to a young woman that she was pregnant and going to have a son.
When we found out we were going to have a son, I can remember thoughts running through my head of what he would be like and picturing playing baseball and cars with him. Even that seemed overwhelming as a new parent, so I cannot imagine being told not only of a new unexpected pregnancy but also that he would forever reign over Israel and the world.
Mary was told of Jesus’ presence in the same moment as his eternal importance. The first coming of Christ is always to point us the future fulfillment of his return when he will take the throne that was promised to him. Although he comes at Christmas gently as a baby the time is quickly approaching when he will establish his Kingdom on earth. When he returns he will come in a much different manner:
“15 Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” Rev. 10:15-16
As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, let’s also remember that he will come again and prepare for that day as well.