Slideshow image

Psalm 24:7–8 — “Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.”

Psalm 24 may have originally celebrated the ark entering Jerusalem, but its ultimate fulfillment is found in Christ, the King of glory. The psalm calls for gates and doors to open wide for His entrance. Gratitude swells when we anticipate the day when Christ will enter in triumph.

The question, “Who is this King of glory?” is answered with majesty. He is the Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Gratitude grows when we remember that the child born in Bethlehem is the warrior King who conquers sin and death.

The imagery of lifted gates and everlasting doors points to eternal victory. Gratitude for Christmas reaches its height when we connect the manger to the throne. The King who came once in humility will return in power, welcomed by heaven and earth.

For believers, this psalm is both present encouragement and future hope. Gratitude strengthens us when we lift our heads in anticipation, knowing the King of glory will not fail. For pastors, it is a call to remind their people that the baby in the manger is also the Lord of hosts.

This Christmas Day, as we celebrate His birth, let us also lift our eyes to His return. Gratitude unites both advents, rejoicing that the King of glory has come and will come again.