Skip to content

The big king and the little King

John Nicholson shares his religious viewpoint in the Observer's weekly column devoted to the local ecumenical community

Once upon a time in Palestine two kings were alive at the same time in the same place. One king was 70 years old and the other was an infant. The big king favored evil the little king was pure. The big king was rich and powerful, the little king was born into poverty. The big king lived in an amazing palace, the little king lived in a stable.

The big king’s name was Herod. He was a master builder, famous for his buildings. One day he received some unusual visitors – they were men from the East. The Magi said that they had followed the star which lead them to Palestine and they inquired of Herod, “Where is he who is born King of the Jews? We have seen His star in the East and we have come to worship Him.”

Herod was deeply troubled and did not like the idea of another king in his realm, especially a true king that was so favored. He saw how some wanted to go and worship the little king and he tried to fake them out by saying that he too wanted to go and worship too.

After a series of events the big king died and now is remembered as a little king. The little king grew up and became Jesus and He was given a name greater than every name.

They called Him the  King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Every king ever since is under His dominion and Christmas marks His birthday.

We read these words written hundreds of years before He was born.

“The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means God with us)” (Isaiah 7:14).

Like the wise men that first Christmas let’s worship Him!

John Nicholson is pastor of Northstar Baptist Church.