The Lion, the King, and the Crib

DECEMBER 17

Genesis 49:2, 8-10; Psalm 72; Matthew 1:1-17

Yesterday, December 16, we marveled at the idea of a Talking Donkey at Christmas  [link here], a whimsical yet profound reminder of how God often chooses the unexpected to reveal His truth.

(AI Generated)

Today, we turn to another surprising image: the Gentle Lion, who is King at the Crib. At first glance, a lion may seem an unlikely companion to the humble nativity scene. Yet, just as C.S. Lewis introduces us to Aslan—the great, powerful lion who is both awe-inspiring and sacrificial in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (The Chronicles of Narnia)—we find that the true Lion of Judah, Jesus, reveals His strength in the most unexpected way: through His humility and self-giving love.

In the first reading, Jacob prophesies about Judah, foretelling a conqueror: "Judah, like a lion's whelp... The scepter shall never depart from Judah." Jesus, a descendant of Judah, fulfills this prophecy as the "Lion of the Tribe of Judah." But how does this image of a lion, traditionally associated with power and dominance, connect with the infant Jesus lying in a humble manger?

The Book of Revelation offers the answer. It declares: "Do not weep. The lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has triumphed" (Rev 5:5). Yet, this victorious lion is revealed not as a devouring beast but as a Lamb, who wins through sacrifice and love. Imagine the Nativity scene with a lion present—symbolizing Christ as both the gentle Lamb and the powerful King. He is the Lion who rules with love, not fear.

This paradox—of a Lion who is gentle, a King who serves—invites us to ponder the mystery of Jesus’ birth. His reign is established not through force but through mercy. As Aslan teaches the Pevensie children in Narnia, "He is not a tame lion... but He is good." Similarly, Jesus, the Lion of Judah, is both powerful and loving, ruling not with might but with the gentleness that draws all to Himself.

Though born in a humble village, surrounded by poverty and insignificance, Jesus' coming is the fulfillment of God's eternal plan (cf. the Matthean Genealogy). His kingly power is revealed through self-sacrifice, not domination. Let us allow God to work in our lives, trusting in His plan and acting with faith.

The responsorial psalm continues this theme, depicting a king who rules not with military might but with care and compassion for the poor and afflicted: "He shall rescue the poor when they cry out, and the afflicted who have no one to help."

This Christmas, as we contemplate the mystery of the Incarnation, we are invited to recognize the contrasting signs of God’s kingdom—power and humility, majesty and sacrifice. The Lion of Judah is born in a manger, drawing us to Himself with strength and tenderness. In Him, we see the divine mystery at work—faithful to the past, yet always breaking into the present in surprising and new ways.