I like to picture Baby Jesus with a sword strapped across his little back. Maybe a helmet on his tender head. And definitely some eye black under each of his piercing eyes. Does that make me weird? Actually, I think it makes me biblical.

Have you read Isaiah’s prophecy about the child who would be born to us, the Prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6)? Do you know what comes just before those thrilling words? “You have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire” (verses 4,5). Boots, blood, and battles come right before the baby who would be born to us.

I love that image of Jesus. As God in human flesh, he is not some vulnerable, weak, cowardly kid who hides when something threatens your faith. No, he strides out onto the battlefield to fight for you. Like David marching out to drop Goliath, Jesus steps out in the name of the Most High God to win the victory on your behalf. And he started his fight from his first breath.

So, rejoice over your Jesus today. He is the warrior who fought for your forgiveness and brought home the trophy of your salvation. You are more than a conqueror through him who loves you (Romans 8:37).