The King Born in a Stable: Discovering Jesus as Lord from Birth

The Christmas story holds a profound truth that often gets lost in the familiar carols and nativity scenes: Jesus didn't enter this world to become a King—He was born King. This distinction changes everything about how we understand the incarnation and what it means for our lives today. 

A King in the Most Unlikely Place 

When the Magi from the East arrived in Jerusalem, they asked a question that shook the political establishment: "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?" Their words reveal something crucial—they weren't searching for someone who would become a king, but for one who was already King at birth. 

This reality becomes even more striking when we consider where this King was actually born. Despite His royal identity, Jesus wasn't found in Jerusalem's palace. He wasn't surrounded by luxury or attended by servants. Instead, the King of kings entered the world in the humblest setting imaginable—a stable, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a feeding trough. 

We often expect to encounter God in our highlights—in the mountain peaks of success and the midst of victories. Yet God frequently reveals Himself most powerfully in the lowly places of our lives: in everyday moments, in struggles, in the ordinary and unexpected. The manger teaches us not to demand that God reveal Himself only in ways that fit our preferences or comfort level. 

The Announcement That Changed Everything 

While the setting was humble, the spiritual realm erupted with activity. In Luke 2:8-14, we read of shepherds keeping watch over their flocks when suddenly an angel appeared, announcing: "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." 

Notice the three-fold declaration: Savior, Christ, and Lord. 

Jesus was born our deliverer and redeemer. He was born Christ—the anointed one, the Son of God. And He was born Lord—Master, the one in control, sovereign, God Himself, owner of all creation. 

These weren't attributes Jesus would grow into or earn through His ministry. He possessed them from His first breath. The manger didn't make Jesus humble. The cross didn't make Jesus our Savior. The resurrection didn't make Him King. Rather, it was because He already possessed these divine attributes that He could be born in a stable, die on a cross, and rise victorious from the grave. 

Two Kingdoms, One Choice 

Understanding Jesus as Lord from birth illuminates a critical reality: there are only two kingdoms in existence—the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light. Until we receive Jesus as Lord, we're registered citizens of darkness, whether we realize it or not. 

Colossians 1:13 declares: "For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son." 

The kingdom of darkness is characterized by self-delusion, self-will, lies, shame, guilt, and ignorance. Jesus saves us from this realm and brings us into light—a kingdom of truth, love, peace, and freedom from condemnation. 

This isn't just poetic imagery. When you're born again, your citizenship literally changes. Your name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life. You're no longer registered in your natural birthplace but in your spiritual one. Your identity shifts from who you were in darkness to who you are in Christ. 

What It Means to Confess Jesus as Lord 

Romans 10:9-10 tells us: "If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation." 

The invitation isn't to make Jesus Lord—He already is Lord. The invitation is to acknowledge Him for who He is and receive Him as Lord of your life. 

This matters because until Jesus is Lord of your heart, something or someone else is occupying that throne. We all have little kingdoms we try to protect, inflate, and preserve. We attempt to rule our own lives and hearts, but this self-rule ultimately falls under the kingdom of darkness. 

When Jesus Takes the Throne 

Jesus doesn't want roommates on the throne of your heart. There's no dual-reign, no power-sharing agreement. He is King over all other kings. When Light walks in, darkness must walk out. 

When Jesus becomes Lord, every rival receives an eviction notice: 

Fear must bow. Shame must bow. Addiction must bow. Pride must bow. Lust must bow. Bitterness must bow. Every false identity must bow. Every false god must bow. 

Philippians 2:10-11 declares that at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. This isn't just a future reality—it's what happens in the heart of every believer who surrenders to His lordship. 

Jesus doesn't negotiate with bondage; He breaks it. He doesn't manage sin; He destroys it. He doesn't counsel demons; He casts them out. 

When Jesus becomes Lord, chains fall, lies lose power, addictions weaken, cycles break, and generational curses shatter. The enemy is disarmed and defeated. 

The Transformation of Lordship 

The practical evidence of Jesus's lordship manifests in tangible ways. Your desires change. Your priorities shift. Your identity becomes rooted in Him alone. Your habits transform. Your relationships heal. You discover real purpose. 

Idols fall. Chains break. Lies shatter. Darkness flees. Hearts become whole. Life becomes new. 

Jesus doesn't just enter your life—He takes over your life. And everything that once ruled you loses its power. 

The Greatest Gift 

This is the present offered through the Christmas story—not just a baby in a manger, but the Lord of lords and King of kings entering our world to offer us citizenship in His kingdom. 

The greatest gift isn't found under a tree. It's found in a stable in Bethlehem, where the King of all creation humbled Himself to rescue us from darkness and bring us into His marvelous light. 

The question remains: Will you acknowledge Him for who He is? Will you receive Jesus as Lord of your life? 

Today in the city of David, a Savior was born for you—Christ the Lord. 

Blessings to you this awesome Christmas Season, 

Pastor Greg (PG) 

Freedom Center Church