Which Throne Governs Your Heart This Christmas?
As we stand just days away from Christmas, I find myself thinking about a question that cuts through all the holiday noise: "Where is he that is born King of the Jews?"
This was the question the Magi asked when they arrived in Jerusalem after their long journey. They weren't looking for another religious leader or political figure. They were searching for the True King—someone worthy of their complete trust and surrender.
The Peace We're Really Searching For
How many of us entered this Christmas season with our minds already racing through to-do lists and family obligations? Some of us are searching more desperately for peace and quiet than we are for the perfect gift. Others are dreading the empty chair at the table this year, carrying a quiet ache that the decorations can't hide.
The truth is, we're all looking for direction. We're all trying to find our way through the busyness, the expectations, and sometimes even the grief of the season. But here's what I've been learning: the very peace we crave is found only when we stop trying to be the king of our own lives.
Two Very Different Responses
When news of Jesus's birth reached Jerusalem, it created two completely opposite reactions that we still see today.
King Herod was troubled. The arrival of a True King threatened everything he had built. His response was calculated and deceptive—he even used religious language to hide his murderous intentions. He said he wanted to "worship" this newborn King, but his heart was focused entirely on protecting his own throne.
The Magi rejoiced with exceeding great joy. These travelers had journeyed for months, perhaps years, following a star. When they finally found Jesus, they didn't just acknowledge Him—they fell down before Him. They opened their treasures and gave Him gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Everything they had belonged to Him.
The Herod Test
Here's a question worth asking ourselves this Christmas: When God's Word challenges our plans or calls us in a different direction, how do we respond? Do we feel that same agitation Herod felt? Do we find ourselves calculating ways to maintain control while still appearing spiritual on the outside?
I'm not asking this to condemn anyone. I'm asking because I've felt it too. That subtle anxiety when we realize that if Jesus is truly King, then we are not. That fear that surrendering to Him might mean losing something we value.
But friends, submitting to Him isn't a loss of freedom—it's the beginning of rest.
The Joy on the Other Side of Surrender
The Magi's story teaches us something beautiful: true direction in life requires a joyful transfer of allegiance. Notice the pattern of their response:
- They pursued Christ - They traveled far and wide, seeking Him so they might worship Him
- They bowed before Christ - They visibly fell down, giving Him the rightful position as King
- They gave gifts to Christ - They demonstrated complete surrender through their valuable offerings
And here's the remarkable part: their act of submission led to "exceeding great joy." Not reluctant obedience. Not grudging duty. Exceeding great joy.
What if the joy you've been searching for this Christmas is actually waiting on the other side of your surrender?
Taking Another Way
The story ends with God warning the Magi in a dream not to return to Herod, so they went home by another route. This is such a beautiful picture of the Christian life. Once we truly encounter Christ, we can't go back to the old ways. God loves us too much to let us return to "Herod's court"—back to deception, self-rule, and the exhausting work of defending our own fragile thrones.
Taking "another way" isn't always easy. It might mean changing a relationship, a habit, or a long-held plan. But it's a path marked by the King's presence and guidance.
A Challenge for Christmas Morning
This Christmas, I want to encourage you to do something simple but profound: Take a moment in the quiet of Christmas morning to examine your current direction. Ask yourself:
- Are there areas of my life where I'm still trying to maintain control?
- Is there a specific relationship, financial choice, or hidden habit that's leading me away from God's best?
- Am I treating God's Word like a textbook to study, or a treasure to follow?
If you discover that you've been resisting His authority in some area, choose the "other way" today. Make the decision to follow His Word, trusting that the King who guided the star is the same King who will guide your steps through every valley of the coming year.
The Beautiful Truth of the Gospel
Here's what makes this all so remarkable: The King who demands your submission is the same King who submitted Himself to a cross for you. He didn't come to take your freedom; He came to take your burden. He is the Prince of Peace, the Great Shepherd, and the Light of the World.
When you transfer your allegiance to Him, you aren't losing your life—you are finally finding it.
The direction of your life is not determined by the stars you follow, but by the King you serve.
So this Christmas, don't just make room for Him in the manger of your traditions. Make room for Him on the throne of your heart.
The King is not here to condemn you for your resistance. He is here to welcome you into His rest.
Merry Christmas, dear friends. May you find the exceeding great joy that comes from bowing before the only King who is truly worthy.