It's a boy!

It's a boy! The world celebrates the arrival of a future king. We congratulate and celebrate with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the safe arrival of their son on 22nd July.

The birth of any baby is exciting and worthy of celebration. Yet the birth of this baby is particularly exciting because he will be future king. This baby is now third in line to the throne (after Charles and William).

This baby is born with high expectations. Not only will he one day inherit the throne, I also noticed some astrologers have predicted that this royal heir will "grow up in challenging times but will eventually preside over an era of marvels. He will be remembered for the rest of time as the rule-breaker who became a peacemaker."

The role of the king is traditionally one of rule and authority - the king would rule his people. Yet today the role of the British monarchy is less about ruling his subjects instead being more ceremonial, traditional and fodder for the celebrity magazines.

A future king is born.

The birth of this king has reminded me of the birth of another king born many years ago. His birth was not heralded by a town-cryer, by an email or Twitter and was not celebrated by thousands of adoring onlookers. He was born in much more humble circumstances: in the lowly guest room to a poor family in ancient Palestine.

Yet this king would grow up and be far more powerful and influential than any earthly king. He would be known as the king of kings, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Astrologers also recognised this king as significant and they travelled far to see and worship this king. The birth of this king was announced not by a town-cryer, but with a heavenly chorus of angels. He is a king whose role is not merely ceremonial but living and active, and today many millions of people follow him and live in his kingdom.

So as we celebrate and rejoice with the British Royal Family over the birth of a king, let us also reflect on the birth of another king, the humble king Jesus, who many follow and live for today.