When the King of Glory Comes

As we begin the Advent season, Psalm 24 offers us a powerful vision of hope—not hope in our circumstances or abilities, but hope in the King of glory who enters our world. This sermon explores David's magnificent portrait of God's sovereignty over creation, the impossible standards of holiness required to approach Him, and the thunderous announcement of the King of glory's arrival. We discover that the central message of Christmas isn't about our ascent to God through good behavior or religious performance, but about His descent to us in Christ.

The psalm's repeated call for ancient gates to lift up their heads resonates deeply during the holidays when our own hearts can feel barricaded by disappointment, grief, or exhaustion. Yet the King of glory—identified as the Lord strong and mighty, the Lord of hosts—doesn't wait for us to be worthy of His presence. Instead, He provides the very righteousness we need as a gift. This same mighty warrior who commands heaven's armies chose to enter our world through a stable in Bethlehem, transforming our understanding of both power and hope.

Whether you're struggling to find joy this season, wrestling with feelings of inadequacy, or simply longing for genuine hope that transcends holiday sentimentality, this message reveals how the King of glory's coming changes everything. We don't have to climb up to God; He has descended to us. We don't have to force open heaven's gates; He commands them to open. The question isn't whether we're good enough for Christmas, but whether we'll recognize and receive the King of glory who has already come.