For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. (Isaiah 9:6)

Politicians and world leaders don’t always get the best of press. In recent weeks, crowds of people have taken to the streets in America to protest against the election of Donald Trump to the White House. In other parts of the world, leaders and their governments are often described using words such as ‘dictatorship’, ‘suppression’, ‘exploitation’, ‘corruption’, ‘injustice’ and so on.

With Jesus it’s altogether different. He rules over a kingdom. But it’s not a worldly kingdom. You won’t find it on a map. It doesn’t have geographical boundaries. You can’t get into it by flashing a passport. His kingdom is made up of men, women and children who trust him and obey him as their Saviour and King. And the words that are associated with his kingdom are lovely: ‘justice’, ‘righteousness’, ‘freedom’, ‘joy’ and ‘peace’, to name just a few.

This baby, born on that first Christmas Day, is the king we’ve all been waiting for. He rules with love and mercy and stands against all that is evil. He leads all who listen to him in paths of life and blessing. And he invites all people everywhere to come to him and take their place in the most wonderful kingdom the world has ever known.