For to us a child is born,
      to us a son is given;
      and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
      and his name shall be called
      Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
      Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
      Of the increase of his government and of peace
      there will be no end,
      on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
      to establish it and to uphold it
      with justice and with righteousness
      from this time forth and forevermore.
      The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Is 9:6–7). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Jesus Christ is King, and no one will be saved without confessing that he is Lord, that is, my personal Lord and Lord over all. Is Jesus Christ your God? Do you worship him? Is he your King? Did you surrender to him and embrace his rule and laws?

I hope you will not sympathize with Jesus. There are people who come to church every year, once a year, to celebrate the birth of Christ. But even after a whole lifetime of celebrating, they die without Christ. Every year, indeed, every day, and every moment, is a great opportunity to surrender to this God, this King, this Saviour.

If you are included in the people for whom the child is born, you will repent and believe on this Saviour, this King, this God/man. Is Jesus Christ your God, your King, and your Saviour? He has come to you; have you come to him? He says, “Come to me, all those who are weary and heavy-laden; I will give you rest.” Have you seen the great light? Has your iron yoke of burden been broken and shattered by him? Have you experienced the liberation from the guilt of sin—from its pollution, power, and punishment?

If Jesus Christ is your God, King, and Saviour, then you have a God-given right to be happy. But if he is not, you are still in your sins. You are a slave to fear and it is impossible for you to be happy. My counsel to you is to repent and believe on Jesus the Saviour of the world. Would you come to him and acknowledge him, saying, “You are God and you are my God. You are King of kings and Lord of lords; you are my King. Rule my life, that I may have peace and greater peace. And, finally, you are Saviour of the world, but you are also my Saviour.”

May God deliver us from sentimentalism this time of the year! May we be sober-minded and recognize that this child, this son, this divine gift whose birthday we celebrate, is Mighty God, the great King and only Saviour of the world. Then we will be able to rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory, and our hearts will be filled with peace because his rule is in our hearts. Amen.