All Hail King Jesus

For thirty five years he ruled with fear. Thousands were killed, raped, maimed, exiled, tortured, and otherwise humiliated under his reign. Fear of him caused hundreds to sacrifice their lives believing a lie. Many fought to the death for this man they called leader. Just four short years ago the world saw in living color the reality that the rewards of evil are indeed counterfeit.

Here was the dictator of Iraq, who called his people, even his own sons to fight to the death, crawling through a hole in the ground with a pistol at his side, shouting, "Dont shoot; dont shoot. I am Saddam Hussein, President of Iraq. I am willing to negotiate."

For the families of every man woman and child who gave their lives in allegiance to him, the pain of their loss hit the lowest of lows at that moment realizing that their leader was not even willing to do what hed called them to do.

Many years ago there was another leader, a fugitive of sorts, hiding from a jealous king, who spent the first 33 years of His life walking the walk that He called His people to walk. He told them to love, He loved. He told them to turn the other cheek and love their enemies, He did just that. He told them not to yield to temptation, He was tempted beyond belief, but did not yield. He told them to spread love to the unlovely, He was the master at that. He told them to forgive, He was the ultimate forgiver. He told them to honor their parents, He did so with such grace as a child and an adult. He told them that greater love has no man than to give up his life for a friend, he called them His friends and for them He laid down His life. This leader asked His followers to do nothing that He was not only willing to do, but did do to set the example for them.

This leader, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is who we celebrate as we gather today and as we celebrate Christmas this month. He was born to die. He lived to serve. He died to give life. He rose from the dead to show that everything He was born, lived and died for was real and that we could do all the things that Hes called us to do through His power that is in us through His Holy Spirit.

Four years ago we saw thousands rejoicing over the capture of an evil counterfeit.

Today, and during this special month, we celebrate that One who showed us what true leadership is.

To Him we shout, "All Hail King Jesus! Happy Birthday!"

Pastor MJ