By Ptr. Gen Concepcion
Although resistance to authority has marked human history, it has become far more visible in our time because of the technology that now surrounds us.
From philosophical ideas to active social movements, disobedience and resistance to law and authority unfold daily—in workplaces, shopping malls, homes, classrooms, and on our streets. And with the technology we possess, we witness countless expressions of this resistance right before our eyes, accessible at any moment.
Just the other week, a friend of mine personally witnessed a jewelry store robbery inside a mall in broad daylight.
Even my dog refuses to follow the simple rule of staying out of my room since I am allergic to his dander. Truly, acts of disobedience appear everywhere, even among animals.
When we look back at history, we see that much resistance to authority is driven by a desire to stand against oppression, inequality, and unjust rule. People resist because they long for better leadership, better governance, and a better world.
But there is one thing that we need to realize — the answer to all these longings—oppression, inequality, poor governance—is found in Christmas. Yes, Christmas! For on Christmas Day, the future Ruler of a perfect kingdom was born. One day, Jesus will establish an everlasting kingdom: a kingdom untouched by corruption, unshaken by injustice, and unending in its righteousness and peace.
Christmas, therefore, marks the beginning of the perfect rule for which humanity longs. Yet this glorious plan unfolded only because the Lord Jesus chose to obey the will of the Father. The first Christmas happened because Someone submitted to a higher authority—Jesus yielding Himself to the power and purpose of His Father.
Over and over, Jesus declared that He came to do the Father’s will:
“I have come to do your will, my God,” (Hebrews 10:7).
“For I have come down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of Him who sent me,” (John 6:38).
“I seek not my will but the will of Him who sent me,” (John 5:30).
Thus, one of the resounding values we are called to remember this Christmas season is obedience.
Christmas exists because of obedience, the one thing that the world despises. Obedience is voluntary surrender to another’s authority, and Jesus submitted Himself entirely to the Father’s will. And the will of the Father was to provide a way for estranged humanity to be reconciled to Him so they may be part of the future perfect kingdom that He is going to establish.
Christmas, the first coming of Christ assures us of His second coming. Scripture gives us this certainty: for every verse about Christ’s first coming, there are eight declaring His return. His return is assured! He will come again and He will rule a perfect kingdom—one that can never be destroyed, a kingdom marked by justice, equity, everlasting peace, harmony, and the full restoration of creation.
This is the deeper message of Christmas. We are invited to look beyond the lights, the décor, and the joyful sounds of the season, and remember that many of our fellow human beings are enduring deep suffering—people threatened by violence, war, and natural calamities such as the recent flooding in parts of the Philippines and in countries like Pakistan and Thailand.
Christmas tells us not to revel only in the good things happening to us, but also to remember that this world is broken and that there are many who are suffering. But Christmas reminds us also that in a world filled with disobedience, brokenness, and longing, God has already begun His work of restoration. The Child in the manger is the King who obeyed—and the King who will return.
Christmas should also remind us to remain walking in obedience before God, and as children of God, we obey those God has appointed to lead us in His church. Let us remain united and obedient to them, rallying behind them as they labor to build the church, the people the future King will rule over when that Day comes. The Child born on Christmas Day is the King who will return! His perfect kingdom is on its way! Let us continue to watch and pray!
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