"Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?" (Matthew 2:1,2 NKJV).

Some people are born to become kings or queens or prime ministers or presidents but Jesus was born a king. That's why the wise men were led by the star to Bethlehem. That's why Herod, the consummate politician, was filled with unease. And later ordered the slaughter of the boy babies in Bethlehem.

In his great Christmas hymn "Silent Night," Joseph Mohr includes this line: "Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth." But Jesus was also King at His birth. And not just any king either. John the Revelator saw Jesus as "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS" (Revelation 19:16). Every king who has ever ruled from a throne must ultimately come off that throne and kneel at the feet of Jesus of Nazareth. And not just kings. Ordinary folks like you and me must also bow before the King of kings and Lord of lords. When the Magi finally found the One who was born King of Jews, they "fell down and worshiped Him." As loyal subjects of the King, that is our duty and privilege too. May we say with Jennie Evelyn Hussey, "King of my life, I crown Thee now, Thine shall the glory be..."

Refrain: "Alleluia! O how the angels sang. Alleluia! How it rang! And the sky was bright with a holy light, 'twas the birthday of a King" (William Harold Neidlinger).