The sermon text this morning begins with a call to rejoice in the coming of our king. Similarly, our service begins with the call of, “Good Christian men, rejoice… Christ is born today,” in addition to the glad shout of, “Joy to the world! The Lord is come!” Zechariah goes on to describe the great strength and awesome deeds that the Lord will accomplish at His coming. It’s hard to imagine the infant Jesus carrying out such extraordinary feats, but as we hear in Infant Holy, Infant Lowly, “Christ the babe is Lord of all,” and in What Child Is This, “This is Christ the King.” To Us A Child Of Hope Is Born describes Him as a child while detailing the extent of His rule: “His power, increasing, still shall spread, His reign no end shall know… Him shall the tribes of earth obey, Him all the hosts of heaven.” Joy To The World also speaks of His rule with the command, “Let Earth receive her King,” and saying, “He rules the world with truth and grace.” O Little Town Of Bethlehem speaks of the stars singing praises to “God the King.” If even the stars are crying out, how much more should we! “Haste! Haste to bring Him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary.”
—Caleb Groves
