“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout Daughter Jerusalem! See, your King comes victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the goal of a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9 NIV)
I’ve long heard it preached; a king riding on a donkey comes in peace, a king on a horse comes to war. I’ve previously connected this truth to Palm Sunday’s celebration, but never before to the quiet ride in on Christmas Eve. Mary stole into Bethlehem with a king in her belly, meekly settled on a lowly donkey. Jesus arrived in our world in peace: a friend of sinners and a savior to all that would call Him Lord.
Lest we forget; advent is all about remembering His first coming so we can rightly prepare for His second coming. The next time Jesus arrives in our world, He won’t be so mild. He’ll be riding the war horse and those that reject Him will have every reason to recoil.
“I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice He judges and wages war.” (Revelation 19:11 NIV)
On this Christmas Eve, there is still time to repent and receive Him in peace. Spend some time in scripture. Search your heart for sin. See if His words ring true in your soul. Bow before the manger and respond rightly to His presence here on earth before the clock runs out.
Lord, we are so glad You came in peace first. We are grateful for the chance to know You before You come in judgement. May we choose You again this Christmas as our Lord and King. We look forward to Your return and forever reign. Amen.