The One whose birth we celebrate at Christmas was born a savior and a king. The angel instructed Joseph to call His name Jesus because He would save His people from their sins (Mat.1:21). And during His first advent by His death and resurrection Jesus provided salvation for all who will believe in Him. But not until His second coming will He reign as king. He will rule over the whole earth as He sits on David’s throne in Jerusalem. When the angel announced His birth to Mary, he said, “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:31-33).
Jesus is referred to frequently in Matthew’s gospel as the Son of David indicating that He is the One who will sit on the eternal throne God promised in the Davidic Covenant. “And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever” (2Sam.7:16). “Once I have sworn by My holiness; I will not lie to David: 36 His seed shall endure forever, And his throne as the sun before Me” (Psa.89:35-36). Matthew begins his gospel with the genealogy of Jesus proving His descent from David and thus indicating that He is qualified to rule (Mat.1:1-17).