It seems strange to ask the question, "Where is the king?" Today, high-profile individuals such as rulers and celebrities have a very difficult time keeping out of the public eye. Incriminating videos of politicians turn up on YouTube, celebrities are hounded by the paparazzi, and any high-profile figure is fair game for some tabloid smear. What celebrity hasn't at one time or another wished to be invisible?
Yet, when Jesus was born, there were no paparazzi. Jesus' only star-struck fans in this text were some Magi who wanted to find and worship Him. But it was not very difficult for them to find Him, as a "star in the east" guided them to Bethlehem in Judea, where this king was born. But this was no ordinary king. These Magi came to worship Him because this baby is the Word become flesh (John 1:14), the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15), the one who came to die for us that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).
So now we know who this King was. But where can we find this King today? Do we also need a star to help us find Him? No. This King comes today in Word and Sacrament. When your pastor speaks those glorious words of absolution to you, it is as good as from the mouth of Jesus Himself. When you receive the sacrament of the altar, you receive Jesus' true body and blood. Jesus comes to us through pastors, bread, and wine.
And we know also this King will come again. And when He returns, no star will be necessary to find Him, for "He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him" (Rev. 1:7). During this Christmas season, as we celebrate the birth and prepare for the return of our Lord, Jesus gives us His gifts of Word and Sacrament, that we may be found ready and waiting when our King returns.
THE PRAYER: Lord God, You sent Your Son Jesus into the world to save us from sin, death, and the devil. So also You come to us today in Word and Sacrament that we might be continually strengthened and preserved in the faith until the time when You return to gather Your elect. Guide our life and actions during this Advent season that we might bring glory to our King. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Written by Eric Andersen
Concordia Semianry
St. Louis, MO
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