We live in a strange time, that some call the “already-not-yet.” Jesus has saved us from our sins, but we still struggle with sin — because Jesus hasn’t come back yet to renew all things and perfect his creation.

This season of waiting for Jesus to return can be bleak at times. We will suffer, we will sin, and we will even feel lonely and distant from God at times. But 1 Corinthians 1:9 reminds us that no matter what our circumstances or feelings, God is faithful!

Christmas is the celebration of a new King being born into this world. Is it news, or good news? That depends on what kind of King he will be.

Every other thing or person that demands our allegiance in this life will, in the end, offer us only exhaustion, heavy burdens, and pain. But King Jesus, gentle and lowly, offers us rest for our souls. That truly is good news.

We all follow a “king” in our lives. Something will hold authority over us and will dictate how we live. If that King is Jesus, then we will begin to learn true wisdom for skillful living, and he will be faithful to us and lead us into a glorious eternity. If our king is anything less than Jesus, then we will learn false and worldly wisdom — and we will share its fate.