Seek the King of Glory this Christmas
Christmas has become so commercialized with the focus away from the real meaning. What if we seek the King of glory this Christmas?
I enjoy the Christmas season and celebrating the birth of Jesus.
But I always find it troubling to see the unbelief behind the real reason for the holiday—Holy-day.
Still, the birth of Jesus unveiled the Savior to the world. The One promised to rescue us from sin, other gods, the enemy, and even ourselves.
And as always, the heavenly Father kept His promise. God’s Son came to bring the light of heaven to earth. Jesus Christ, the Messiah, was born to die.
Denied earthly glory and fame, Jesus bears a name above every name.
Jesus is the King of glory.
Yet, we only find the phrase, “The King of glory” once in the Bible, in Psalm 24. It’s one of my favorite passages.
So, let’s look at the 10 verses in Psalm 24 for how we see and seek the King of glory.
And not only unveil Him in a more meaningful way in our own heart, but also to present Jesus more fully to those around us and to the world.
Denied earthly glory and fame, Jesus bears a name above every name. He is the King of glory. Click To TweetCreation shows us how to seek the King of glory
The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.
(Verses 1-2, ESV)
Scripture reveals how Jesus, part of the triune God, participated in creation. John 1:3 says all things came into being through Him. Also, Colossians 1:16 confirms how He created all things.
Even the star announcing the arrival of the Christ-child, Jesus created Himself.
Every time we gaze at a sunset, see a glimmer of light shinning through the window, stand in awe at the twinkling of stars or the ebb and flow of the ocean. Let it remind us, all of creation unveils the King of Glory. Click To TweetWe seek the King of glory through holiness
Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully.
(Verses 3-4, ESV)
The imagery here makes my soul leap and causes me to pause. David knew what it meant to stand in God’s presence. And he knew how sin separated him from God.
The Lord created our souls to desire the ascent up His hill and to stand in His holy place. But it requires we submit to the Lord’s holiness in our lives and allow Him to cleanse us from sin.
“If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7 (ESV)
Seek the King of glory in righteousness
He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah
(Verses 5-6, ESV)
The Bible encourages us to seek the Lord’s kingdom and righteousness in Matthew 6:33. To pray, seek God’s face, and turn from wicked ways for forgiveness of sin and healing of our land here on earth in 2 Chronicles 7:14.
And Hebrews 11:6 tells us God rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
Welcome the King of glory
Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory?The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle!
Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory?The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory! Selah
(Verses 7-10, ESV)
Christmas has become so commercialized with the focus away from the real meaning. What if we seek the King of glory this Christmas? Click To TweetMatthew Henry’s Commentary notes the repetitions of phrases in these verses like those in a song.
“The doors and gates are to be thrown open, thrown wide open, to give him admission, for behold he stands at the door and knocks, ready to come in.”
Henry further notes the Lord desires to be “welcomed by us.”
The King of glory knocks at the door of our hearts. If we open the door, He comes in (Revelation 3:20).
The Lord of hosts came that first Christmas night in Bethlehem for all who are willing to welcome His glory into their hearts and lives.
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May we all welcome our King of Glory with eyes and hearts wide open for Him this Christmas season and always, Karen. Blessings!
Martha, like how you said to welcom the King “with eyes and hearts wide open for Him….” Yes! Lord, we look for you and welcome you in. God bless!
As I find myself saying almost weekly, “There’s so much to love about this post Ms. Karen.” Seeking the King of Glory becomes a habit. We can find Him in all we see and do when we’re walking with Him. I’ve found that when I start to stray (hey, it happens), He’ll reveal Himself in my surroundings when He knows I’m ignoring the urgings of His Spirit in my soul. Isn’t it amazing how God never leaves us to ourselves and He is always nearby even when we turn our backs on Him. God’s blessings ma’am.
J.D., seeking Him is a habit, you offer a lot of good insight. He said, we’ll find Him “when” we seek Him with all our heart. God bless.
“Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory?The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle!” Psalm 24:7-8 (ESV)
Hi Karen,
Thank you for these great reminders of our King of Glory. I enjoy reading your posts here. They are always encouraging and uplifting. Let’s remember and always praise our King of Glory.
Grateful for your comment, Kendra and thankful for your encouragement. Blessings!
“Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory?The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory! Selah” Psalm 24:9-10 (ESV)
May America make room for the King. Thanks, Karen, and God bless!
Yes, Nancy, we pray for this, the seeking of the true King of the world!
I pray we all will focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Thank you for your beautiful messages. Have a blessed weekend! 🙂
Thanks so much, Melissa. Denied earthly glory and fame, Jesus bears a name above every name.
Jesus is the King of glory.
He is the King of Glory and I’m looking forward to celebrating His birthday. Thank you Karen for reminding me of the real meaning and purpose of this special holiday.
Always appreciate your comments, Yvonne. Thank you.
Amen! I agree with you… I too find it so upsetting to see the unbelief behind the real reason for the holiday—or, the Holy-day. I pray every aspect of this season becomes an opportunity for me to grow closer to the Lord and honor him.
Jessica, that’s the purpose of the season and our journey with Christ on this earth. God bless.
Amen! Such a powerful and important message, Karen! May we pause and take in the awesome majesty of our King of glory! I appreciate this reminder to step away and see Him anew. God bless!
Your comment reminded me about an old Keith Green song, Melissa. “Oh, Lord, you’re beautiful.”
There is so much to love in this season, but we could all use the reminder to pause and reflect on the baby King and why He came. Wonderful reminders, Karen!
Agree, Ashley! The season is about Christ and the seasons of our lives are ordered by Him.
This was such a beautiful post. I never realized the phrase only appears once in Scripture. “The Lord of hosts came that first Christmas night in Bethlehem for all who are willing to welcome His glory into their hearts and lives.” May we be willing, may we welcome Him into our hearts!
Joanne, I didn’t know that about the phrase until I researched and studied Psalm 24. Lord, help us swing open wide the gates of our lives and the doors to our hearts for You, the King of glory.
Karen, Psalm 24 always speaks to me. I love how you broke it down. And this thought:
“The Lord created our souls to desire the ascent up His hill and to stand in His holy place.”
I’d never really considered that before. I know we’re supposed to desire to ascend the hill of the Lord. But how beautiful that He places that desire within us. The question for us becomes are we willing to submit to His ways so we can know Him more?
Thanks for making me think this week!
Hi Jeanne, I love that about God, He not only has desires for us and wants our obedience, but He also provides the strength to obey and the help we need to submit to His best for us–if we’ll only seek Him fully.
A structure built on the Rock (Jesus) is permanent. Everything we build on a foundation of sand will fall. Our beliefs determine our actions. Our actions determine our spiritual health. Paul said this: “For we are co-workers with God. You are God’s field, God’s building.” (1 Corinthians 3:9) Build your life on God’s word so you will stand when life’s problems come and negative situations surround you.
Amen to that, David. On Christ the solid rock we stand. Lord, we swing open wide the gates of our life and the doors of our heart to welcome you, the Kind of glory. God bless.
Karen, I’m encouraged by your words today. Pausing to reflect.
Visiting today from Joanne’s.
Appreciate that, Paula. May we welcome the King of glory into our hearts and lives.