Today, on the second Sunday of Advent we light the Bethlehem candle. The blue reminds us of the king who was born in Bethlehem. We must prepare to celebrate the royalty of Jesus Christ the King of Kings who was born in Bethlehem and we must live in preparation of His return.
In Psalm 72, Solomon paints a vivid picture of the king he hopes for. Jesus is that long hoped-for king. Meditating and reflecting on Solomon’s description helps us to live in appreciation of the coming of the King of Kings and in preparation for His second coming. Look at how Solomon describes the King and His reign.
His reign will be just:
· Endow the king with your justice, O God
· May he defend the afflicted among the people
· May he crush the oppressor
· He will take pity on the weak and the needy
· He will rescue them from oppression and violence
His reign will be prosperous:
· May the mountains bring prosperity to the people
· May grain abound throughout the land
He will be all powerful:
· May the kings of Tarshish and of distant shores bring tribute to him
· May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him
· May gold from Sheba be given him
He will be righteous:
· In his days may the righteous flourish
· May people ever pray for him
His reign will be eternal and all encompassing:
· May he endure as long as the sun and the moon
· May he rule from sea to sea
Two millennia after Christ’s birth in Bethlehem, we see Solomon’s hope fulfilled: Psalm 72:17 (New International Version)
May his name endure forever; may it continue as long as the sun. Then all nations will be blessed through him, and they will call him blessed.
Craig Walker