Matthew 2:1-12 // The wise men journey a long distance with precious gifts to pay homage to the King of the Jews that was born in Bethlehem. This shepherd king that is born to shepherd God's people will rule with righteousness, so the appropriate response for his people would be for us to give him our allegiance. Covenant faithfulness and loyalty are not things that are demanded of us so that we could be oppressed. Rather, our covenant faithfulness and allegiance to King Jesus allows us to have a thriving and flourishing relationship with our Shepherd King. The success of this relationship hinges on faithfulness. If we're not faithful, the relationship will break and fall apart.

Over the course of history, God's people have shown that we failed miserably at being a faithful and loyal people of God, but there is good news of great joy for us. Jesus is not only the Shepherd King but also the perfectly faithful people. He is the prototype of God's faithful people as he lived a completely obedient and faithful life unto his Father, and he makes his faithfulness count toward us. This is the beauty and the joy of the Christmas story. Indeed, this is something worth rejoicing exceedingly with great joy.