There’s a lot of terrible things happening in the world all the time and this Christmas season is no exception. Whether in America or overseas, people are struggling, people are hurting, people are dying.

And people are desperately in need of a reminder that when Jesus came 2000 years ago it was not simply to die on a cross.

Another reason that Jesus came was so that one day He would make things right by extending His kingdom over the entire earth. In fact, a lot of Christmas songs mention the King and His coming kingdom.

The Kingdom of God
One day this little baby in a manger will rule and reign from Jerusalem and the Bible actually has a lot to say about what His kingdom will look like. Isaiah 9 talks about justice and righteousness being the foundation of His kingdom. Not a cold cruel, merciless justice that we think of here in America. But instead, a justice that says ‘finally, vindication for those who have been living according to God’s commands. Reward for those who have been faithful to His Name all these years. Restitution for those who have been wronged.’

It will be a kingdom where justice triumphs and because of that people will finally be able to live in peace and safety.

Isaiah also talks about the lion laying down with the lamb, people taking their weapons and using them for farming because there’s no more war. The Bible says one day people from every nation will go up to Jerusalem and say “tell us about your God, oh Israel! Who is He?” Because His kingdom will be flooding this earth and there will finally be peace for all, hope for the nations, rest for the weary, and healing for the broken. This is the kingdom of God over which Jesus rules and reigns.

The First Time… The Second Time
Think about it, 2000 years ago Jesus came as a servant and the blind received sight, the lame walked, those who had leprosy were cured, the deaf heard, the dead were raised, and the good news was preached to the poor. If that’s what happened the first time Jesus came as a servant and the second time He’s coming in power, I can’t even begin to imagine what His next time on earth will be like!

The Prayer
Be encouraged this Christmas season, believer. The hope of this coming kingdom is what this baby boy brought with Him 2000 years ago. The world may look dark, things may look discouraging, and it may seem hard. But the truth is Jesus came once as a baby in a manger. The next time He is coming as the roaring Lion from the Tribe of Judah, as the Conquering King.

Jesus the King is coming back. Be patient and do not lose heart.