You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him “YHVH-saves.” He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and… his kingdom will never end… So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.
Luke 1:31–35
This Christmas, we celebrate Jesus, the Messiah. He was more than just another national hero; he was the Son of God, theSon of David, and the Son of Man.
Jewish wisdom observes that any hooligan can sire a child, but it takes a father to raise a son. Jesus was a faithful “Son” of God who lived to please his father, surrendered himself to God’s discipline, and walked in God’s ways. Adam did not. The “sons of God” in Genesis 6:4 did not. Israel did not. Even David, a man after God’s own heart, did not. Yet Jesus did what others could not. He walked in the ways of the Lord and perfectly reflected his father’s compassion, justice, and wisdom. He was the truest pupil and teacher of the Law of Moses, fulfilling it perfectly, and teaching the nations how to “love God, and love their neighbor.” What a beautiful and faithful life Jesus lived, refreshing in his selflessness and tenacious in his mission.
King David was a warrior king who succeeded in combat and shook off Israel’s oppressors. In the same way, the Son of David was a warrior who shook off the enemies of God’s people. Demonic oppression, disease, death, jealousy, lust, rage, addictive habits, lies, shame, suffering—the Son of David conquers all. This king is victorious. Our freedom was paid for and peace purchased through his blood. How wonderful that we have a Davidic King who can slay our Goliaths and conquer our overlords.
The Son of Man is a divine figure that appears “like a man” but is from above. Daniel 7 says he is “coming with the clouds of heaven.” We are from below. He is from above. He is above our problems and above our agendas. He holds the ring of keys that unlocks the precincts of God’s inner chambers. The victorious Son of Man was “led into” God’s presence, and he leads us there beside him. Jesus, our Son of Man, is not only a faithful example and a conquering king, but he is also our high priest. He represents us and restores our relationship to our Heavenly Father.
What a wonderful Savior we have. He comes to us but also leads us out. He accepts us but also transforms us. The Son of God is faithful, the Son of David is victorious, and the Son of Man is restorative. He is truly the greatest Christmas gift.
Tags: christmas, jesus, freedom, advent, habits, obedience, high priest, son of god, son of man, victorious, merry christmas, babe, son of david
