12/25/2024

Read: John 18:37 - “Pilate therefore said to Him, ‘Are You a king then?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.’”

Reflect: Today, Christians (and even non-Christians) all over the world will celebrate the birth of Jesus. We know and celebrate that Christ stepped down into this world as a humble infant in a manger. But we must never forget the why. Jesus was well aware of His purpose in this world; He spoke often of fulfilling His Father’s will. Here, Pilate is questioning Him just before He is to be crucified for our sins. Jesus reiterates the reason He was born into this world: to bear witness to the truth. What is this truth that Jesus is testifying to? That He is who He says He is, the Son of the Most High God. And that only through Him can we access God's kingdom. This truth that Jesus proclaims is the ultimate Truth on which the whole universe rests. As Proverbs says, the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. We cannot know anything really if we do not acknowledge the truth of who Jesus is. Today especially, we must deal with the truth Jesus presents to us. We must accept Him for He who is, the King of all Kings. The newborn Baby we celebrate today grows into a Man who is our rightful King and Master. We must strive today and every day hereafter to submit to His truth and sovereignty, that we might one day be perfected just as He is.

Respond: As you spend a minute with the Lord on this busy day, thank Him first and foremost that He did not leave us in darkness, but descended into our world to bring us light. Then think about this: are there any other “truths” in your life that stand in the way of the ultimate truth of Jesus? Acknowledge that Jesus is the King of Truth, and that you are in submission to Him first. And be sure to take some time today to just rest in what He has done.