In keeping with the theme of Christmas as war, it’s good to remember that Jesus’ life wasn’t easy. A few verses in John’s gospel make this abundantly clear:

Born a KING…in a stable. Died a KING…on a cross:

Then Pilate responded, “Oh, so then you are a king?”

“You are right.” Jesus said, “I was born a King… (John 18.37, TPT)

Jesus carried his own cross out of the city to the place called “The Skull,” which in Aramaic is Golgotha. And there they nailed him to the cross. He was crucified, along with two others, one on each side with Jesus in the middle. Pilate had them post a sign over the cross, which was written in three languages—Aramaic, Latin, and Greek. Many of the people of Jerusalem read the sign, for he was crucified near the city. The sign stated: “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” (John 19.17 – 19, TPT)

Of course, we know the story doesn’t end there, but Jesus did not have an easy life! More on that tomorrow.

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! (Philippians 2.5 – 8, NIV)