Today marks Epiphany, the day after the Twelve Days of Christmas, meant to celebrate the moment the magi arrived with their kingly gifts. These were truly gifts fit for a king, even for this King. (Keep in mind that gold was the least valuable of the three elements presented the Child Savior.)

Christians have long stood in the promises of their King, knowing that while we are citizens in this world (and hopefully the best possible citizens, engaged and active in serving others while motivated by joy and grace), we are truly citizens of another Kingdom. Our orders and approval come from somewhere else, outside of us, beyond guilt and shame, and with far deeper and longer-lasting motives. The King calls, and we follow.

Thankfully, we do not walk this path alone:

“Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.”
—Philippians 3:17-21

The promises of our King will never fail or expire; here are words fit to describe His loving care of His people:

“Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.”
—Jude 1:24-25