Many 'best wishes' arrive for Kate and William, and the pundits tell us about the assorted heirs to the throne. No doubt, many mothers who have themselves struggled with their pregnancies may have a wry smile at the level of interest and fuss, or is that only me?
How interesting, at the start of Advent, that our attention focuses on another royal birth!
The angle's announcement to Mary made it quite plain that her child would be in the royal line. 'You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” (Luke 1.31-33)
At the time, there had not been a descendant of David as King of Israel for hundreds of years. We don't know what Mary made of this promise, though we do know that she took on her responsibility will trusting obedience. 'Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.' (Luke 1.38)
While the shops may play assorted Christmas jingles, to get us in the mood to spend money, I guess most of us may want to look more deeply at this familiar story again.
Today's news reminds me that Jesus is the one who is reigning over my life. That means that when I pray, with others or on my own 'Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven', I am deliberately saying that I am determined not to implement my will and wishes, but I am joyfully determined to be under Jesus' will and wishes.
It looks easy in principle, but putting this determination into practice is a daily battle.
So let's hear it for the Royal Baby - Jesus, our Lord and King. May we live for Him today.
Best wishes,
Richard
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