There Is No King But Christ: Finding Joy in Jesus’ Kingship
Christmas is more than just a celebration of Jesus’ birth—it’s a declaration that the rightful King has come. In a weary world filled with uncertainty, violence, and disappointment, we need to remember that Jesus didn’t just come as a baby in a manger. He came as the King who would rule forever.
What Does It Mean That Jesus Is King?
When we sing “Joy to the World,” we’re not just singing a cheerful Christmas carol. We’re proclaiming biblical truths about Jesus as King. The song, inspired by Psalm 98, declares four powerful realities: the Lord is come, the Savior reigns, sins and sorrows are defeated, and He rules with truth and grace.
Joy isn’t the same as happiness. While happiness depends on circumstances, joy is an inner gladness—a deep pleasure that comes from the assurance that God does all things for His glory and our good. Joy is eternal and solid because it’s rooted in the unchanging character of our King.
How Did Jesus Become King of the World?
Revelation 11:15 tells us that “the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” When Jesus came, He didn’t just become a teacher or prophet—He became the King of the world.
This wasn’t just a spiritual victory. Colossians 2 explains that Jesus “disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame by triumphing over them.” He conquered and put His enemies to shame. All earthly power and leadership are merely shadows of the ultimate ruler: Jesus Himself.
Why This Brings Peace in Chaos
In the midst of world events that don’t make sense, we can find peace knowing that Jesus is King. Senselessness doesn’t always need to make sense to us because Jesus is in control. This is why peace is such a central theme of Christmas—not because everything is perfect, but because the perfect King has come.
Is Jesus King Over Nations and Governments?
Jesus isn’t just King in some abstract, spiritual sense. He’s the King of nations—the ruler of rulers. Proverbs 21:1 reminds us that “the king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.”
This means three important things:
Jesus Rules Over Rulers: Every king, queen, president, and leader is under His authority. No earthly power exists outside of His sovereignty.
Jesus Rules Over People: There’s no person beyond the redemptive power of the King. Whether it’s difficult family members during Christmas or challenging relationships in our lives, everyone is within reach of His transforming power.
Jesus Rules Over Circumstances: All the interconnected complexities of life—politics, economics, employment, world events—are under His rule. We can rest in this truth.
Can Jesus Be King of My Heart?
The most personal question is whether Jesus is King of your individual heart. Isaiah 9:6-7 gives us His royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. These names reveal His character and His ability to rule our lives perfectly.
How to Make Jesus King of Your Heart
It’s possible to reject Jesus as King. Many did when He walked the earth, and many still do today. But if you want to make Jesus your King, Romans 10:9 shows the way: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
This isn’t just intellectual agreement—it’s surrendering control of your life to Him. It’s preparing room in your heart for the rightful King to rule.
What Changes When Jesus Is Your King?
When Jesus becomes King of your heart, joy becomes possible even in difficult circumstances. You can sing “Joy to the World” not just as a Christmas tradition, but as a personal testimony that He is the joy in your world.
Like the fictional Return of the King in Tolkien’s story, where light conquers darkness and the rightful king reclaims his throne, Jesus brings light into our darkness and establishes His kingdom of grace and truth in our hearts.
Life Application
This Christmas, the challenge is clear: will you make Jesus the King of your heart? In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, we need the peace that comes from acknowledging His kingship over all things.
This week, consider these questions:
Am I trying to be the king of my own life, or have I surrendered control to Jesus?
How does knowing Jesus is King of the world change my perspective on current events and circumstances?
What areas of my heart am I still keeping closed off from His rule?
How can I prepare room in my heart for the King this Christmas season?
The early American revolutionaries declared “there is no king but Christ.” This Christmas, will you make that same declaration over your own life? True joy comes not from perfect circumstances, but from recognizing and submitting to the perfect King who rules with truth and grace.
