In one of the classic holiday songs, John Lennon harkens that the war is over, saying:
“And so happy Christmas, for black and for white, for yellow and red ones, let’s stop all the fight.”
John Lennon & Yoko Ono
According to Jesus, Christmas signifies that the war has just begun.
A WARLESS PEACE
One of the most significant accomplishments in antiquity, which is littered with wars and violence, was a hundred year stretch of peace known as the Pax Romana, which in English means the peace of Rome. This unique and peculiar era of warless tranquility is unmatched in any other period known to man. During this peace nation no longer rose up against nation, rumors of wars no longer leaped from the lips of women in the marketplace, and the myriad of complex personalities and cultures, usually unwilling to submit to world empires, were now contained within a burgeoning peace, that lasted from 27BC, under the reign of Augustus, to the death of Nero Caesar in 68 AD. This is the world and setting that the Savior of the world was born.
On that first Christmas morning in Judea, God did not show up for a press conference at a palace or a “Precious Moments” commercial in the big city. Instead, in a surprise attack, He stormed the beaches of Bethlehem. He blitzkrieg’d the stables of that old country barn and assembled all the legions of heaven to herald Christ is Lord to shepherds in their fields. He held His fiery star in the sky to announce kings and kingdoms would either worship Him or be put down. While under the peace of Rome, God was bringing war.
And He was bringing war because this old world had fallen into bitter, soul-crushing slavery to an evil dragon. A serpent of great beguiling who tricked our only king into trading in his scepter for over-tight handcuffs… His crown for rusty chains. On that first Christmas morning, after legions of failed men who came before Him, the heaven-sent God-Man was born the royal Man-King. Delivered as a helpless babe to deliver and set the helpless free.
Isaiah said it like this:
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. – Isaiah 9:6-7
INCARNATION AS INVASION
Every Christmastime we celebrate that the invasion has begun. The world was not left to pine away in oppression and deep darkness. The Light of the world has come! Human governments, which all have limits and ends, would be replaced by a government that knows no end. A government that would not bring a measly hundred-year ceasefire but would bring His wonderful and perfect peace forever.
Our King is the one who put the world on notice. That babe in swaddling clothes announced to the nations you will either bow down and worship Him or be trampled underneath His glorious feet. The Son of Man, the Prince of Peace, entered brokenness and brought His Shalom. He went raiding behind enemy lines, rescuing His elect and delivering them safely back to God. He triumphed not only over the manger but also over the grave. He wrestled control of the cosmos away from the fallen serpent, disarming his authorities, powers, and spiritual forces, and began an uprising that would turn the world upside down (as far as the curse is found). And for 2000 years, this is precisely what our King has done.
NEVERENDING REIGN
When you look at what God says in Isaiah 9, He promises nothing less than total dominion. He claims that the government Jesus inaugurates will continue until no ground on earth is left to take. He will rule until His Kingdom comes on earth as it already is in heaven. This means Christmas is about the downfall of sinful nations. Christmas is about the end of corrupt politicians padding their pockets and allowing their children to live above the law. Christmas is about the war of God that will end sex trafficking, annihilate abortion mills, and will put the world back right again. Christmas is the first fruits of the death of democracies, oligarchies, and socialism. The Christ Child in the manger signifies that the world is now under the rule and authority of a King, and His rule of total peace is coming deeper and deeper in
CONCLUSION
This Christmas, as you enjoy eggnog and figgy pudding, ham, and hot cocoa, remember that Christ was born as King. As King, He was born to reign. And in that reign, all the iniquity we see on earth will one day be put under our messiah’s feet. Instead of despair, allow the Light of hope to fill your heart. Remember, He is Lord! And He will make all things new in good time.
Merry Christmas!
