A Royal Birth

     Today, much of the world is celebrating the birth of a 8 pound 6 ounce baby boy born at 4:24pm on July 22nd. Of course, he isn't just any baby boy but the son of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William. Their son is third in line to the throne of England. CNN's Dana Ford wrote, "People from all over the world had gathered outside Buckingham Palace to await news of the birth. At least one group of well-wishers brought flowers, champagne and a card for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge." As the eventual British monarch he would also be head of state in 15 commonwealth countries. A large Commonwealth could one day rest on those little shoulders.

     Now maybe you're like me and you'd prefer college football or a Blackhawk's game to anything having to do with the British Royals but don't let the moment pass without contemplating the birth of another Royal baby 2,000 years ago. In the Gospel of Luke we are told that He would be the Son of God. Born, wrapped in "swaddling cloths" and laid in a manger. Such an enormous chasm between these two facts. The Son of God but born in a trough where animals feed. Creator of the universe, Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, the Prince of Peace comes to earth and takes human flesh. But he doesn't arrive in a chariot of fire surrounded by hosts of angels. I read somewhere that Air Force One costs roughly $100,000 per hour--a necessary cost for the safe transport of the President of the free world. Where was Air Force One for the Son of God? Jesus didn't arrive in the form of Hercules. He took on flesh and started from the beginning of life. Birth is such a miraculous but fragile thing. This Royal baby took on our life at its most fragile point, showing us that God is determined to share our needs. He is determined to feel our deepest and darkest struggles. No one can ever say to Jesus "you've never walked in my shoes." Not only does He understand, He knows the intensity of our weakness. What other King has ever done that? What other God has ever done that?

     The glorious and majestic King belongs in the sinless sphere of heaven surrounded by choirs of angels singing and praising His glory. But He came to earth and took on abject poverty. Marvel at the meekness, at the self-control. Had He wanted anything, it would have been His--He is King. As Sinclair Ferguson points out, Luke is foreshadowing in His Gospel. You see, in birth Christ is laid on a piece of wood that is degrading for a king. Only to be crucified years later on a despicable and humiliating piece of wood. He whom the heavens cannot contain is wrapped tightly in cloths at birth only to be bound by burial cloths in that tomb many years later. This king was born so He could later be torn upon the cross for my sins, for your sins. He was born to die. Rich with unfathomable riches--yet became small and poor for our sake. Today, let the news of this royal birth remind you of the significance of the ultimate Royal birth thousands of years ago. Our King came to rescue, to ransom, to redeem, and to restore.