Conclusion

Aaron N. Meckel once said, “This broken, battered world of ours can be rebuilt about a manger crib.” The Christ who arrived on this planet that first Christmas is active today, by his Spirit, in the lives of those who wish to play a part in God’s mission of remaking the world and the lives of those bruised and spoiled by sin.

Ultimately, there are but two kingdoms in this universe and the choice is ours as to which we belong. There is the kingdom of the “evil one” (Matthew 13:38) which Paul calls “the dominion of darkness” (Colossians 1:13). Then there is the kingdom of God, which Paul speaks of as “the kingdom of the Son he loves” (Colossians 1:13). There are over one hundred allusions to this latter kingdom in the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. One day an angelic pronouncement will be made: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever” (Revelation 11:15). The first Christmas marked the arrival of the King to begin that process (though the preparations for it had begun in past history in the call of Abraham).

Noted New Testament scholar Tom Wright, in an article in Christianity Today, makes an interesting comparison between the kingdom of Augustus and that of Jesus. Augustus turned sixty in the year Jesus was born. He represents perhaps the best that pagan kingdoms can do. He knew that peace and stability are good things. Unfortunately, he had to kill a lot of people to bring them about. By contrast, another King is born in Bethlehem with a price on his head. He represents a dangerous alternative, the possibility of a different empire, a different power, a different glory, a different peace. The two stand over against one another. Wright says:

Augustine’s empire is like a well-lit room at night: the lamps are arranged beautifully, they shed pretty patterns, but they have not conquered the darkness outside. Jesus’ kingdom is like the morning star rising, signalling that it is time to blow out the candles, to throw open the curtains, and to welcome the new day that is dawning. Glory to God in the highest—and peace among those with whom he is pleased.

One day, when the battle with evil has been fought—the ministry to the lost, the lonely, the suffering, and the disadvantaged has been accomplished, the sacrifices on behalf of justice and peace have been made—he will return in person. Alan Redpath, the popular pastor of Moody Bible Church, declared:

The immense step from the Babe at Bethlehem to the living, reigning triumphant Lord Jesus, returning to earth for his own people—that is the truth proclaimed throughout Scripture. As the bells ring out the joys of Christmas, may we also be alert for the final trumpet that will announce his return, when we shall always be with him.

Joni Eareckson Tada, the lady who, as a teenager, became a paraplegic as the result of a diving accident and yet has had a remarkable ministry to others in similar circumstances, puts this beautifully:

On this side of eternity Christmas is still a promise. Yes, the Saviour has come, and with him peace on earth, but the story is not finished. Yes, there is peace in our hearts, but we long for peace in the world.

Every Christmas is still a “turning of the page” until Jesus returns. ….

Angels hovering over treetops may have heralded his birth in the Bethlehem night, but one day they will herald the dawning of the new day. The glow of each candle is but a flicker compared to the Light by which “the nations will walk and the kings of the earth will bring their splendour [Revelation 21:24].”

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For those wishing to look into the meaning of the Incarnation further, an excellent starting point is Alister McGrath’s thoughtful and beautifully produced book Incarnation, published by SPCK, 36 Causton Street, London SW1P 4ST, UK, ©.