Someone had to do it …

On Christmas, the King of kings and Lord of Lords was born in human form, but the news about this baby’s birth didn’t initially receive the grandeur and reverence He deserved.

Consider a few of the initial responses regarding this baby:

SHOCKED – That would be Mary, discovering she would have a baby as a virgin (it had never been done before, and never since), and Joseph, stunned that Mary’s crazy-sounding story was really true.

TERRIFIED – The shepherds. Who wouldn’t be terrified if an angel appeared among them “… and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them …” (Lk. 2:9)? And not just one angel, but a sudden outburst by “… a vast host of others — the armies of heaven …” (Lk. 2:13)? It’s not every day that the supernatural breaks into the natural in massive scale!

DISTURBED – When magi showed up in Jerusalem inquiring, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him,” Matthew 2:2, such news about a newborn “king of the Jews” was received as disturbing: “King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem,” Matthew 2:3.

Shortly after the birth of this baby, his reception would warm up.

First, from a Spirit-compelled righteous man:

“At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, ‘Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!’ Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, ‘This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul,'” Luke 2:25-33.

Second, from an old prophetess:

“Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem,” Luke 2:36-38.

But that’s still not much of a regal reception for royalty, is it?

So, God arranged for a simple version of a coronation.

That’s takes us back to those magi, showing up in Jerusalem looking for the new king of the Jews. Unfortunately, the most that people are told about the magi is usually how they were thought to be “wise guys” or astrologers from the far East. But they were more than that.

They were king makers.

Yes, the magi were often associated with a priestly or royal role in ancient Persian and Babylonian societies. They were skilled in various disciplines like astrology, astronomy, and dream interpretation. The magi were not just scholars or astrologers; they held significant political and religious influence. They were known to advise kings, interpret omens, and play roles in royal ascensions. When a king died, the magi would often play a pivotal role in selecting the successor, based on their interpretations of signs, prophecies, and omens. Their endorsement could legitimize a new ruler’s claim to the throne, making them influential king-makers.

So, when these wise men trapsed their way to Jerusalem, and then to Bethlehem, and then kneeled before baby Jesus, they were acknowledging the arrival of the long-anticipated King:

“They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh,” Matthew 2:11.

Finally, a more fitting reception for royalty.

Someone had to do it!

Scotty