Read Luke 2:1-5    

Son of David

One of my favourite Christmas Carols is “Do you hear what I hear?”:

“Said the shepherd boy to the Mighty King
Do you know what I know?
In your palace warm, Mighty King
Do you know what I know?
A child, a child, shivers in the cold
Let us bring Him silver and gold
Let us bring Him silver and gold

Do you hear what I hear?

Said the king to the people everywhere
Listen to what I say
Pray for peace, people everywhere
Listen to what I say
A child, a child, sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light
He will bring us goodness and light”

I love it because it highlights that the baby born in the manger wasn’t an ordinary child, but one Who was born a King and is to be honoured as such.

Luke does not specifically refer to Jesus as the “Son of David” but it’s clear he means this when he states Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father, “was of the family of David”, Israel’s greatest king.

Son of David emphasises Jesus is King, but more importantly, it’s further proof God keeps His promises. In the centuries before Jesus was born, God promised a son of David would come and bring righteousness and justice – “goodness and light” – to a sin-darkened world.

Looking at our world, including our personal one, sometimes it’s hard to see any “goodness or light” but it’s not true.

When Jesus, son of David, was born, He shone God’s “goodness and light” into the world’s darkness, and the darkness did not defeat it.

Whatever darkness you’re experiencing now – sin, grief, suffering – Jesus wants to shine God’s goodness and light into it.

How do I know this?

Because God always keeps His promises!