In July 2013, the whole world took notice when Prince George
was born in England. He is said to be “the Child of Destiny.” His future has
been decided – he is third in line to the British throne, and one day will be king.
We all seem to be fascinated by the traditions and pageantry of royalty. So it
wasn’t surprising that this child captured the imagination of people around the
world. And every detail of his life will continue to make the news in the years
ahead.

But here’s something I bet you hadn’t thought about.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, Prince George was only one of about
370,000 babies born that day. Most were born in the world’s poorer countries.
Many, sadly, have already died. Many more will not survive their first year.
Those that do survive will grow up in poverty, knowing only hunger and misery.
Some have the misfortune to be born into one of the world’s war zones, and
their childhood memories are destined to be filled with fear and uncertainty.

That is a sad fact about life today. But thankfully, that is
not the whole story. About 2000 years ago, another King was born – in
Bethlehem. Unlike Prince George, he was born into humble circumstances, and
only a few people noticed his birth. But the birth of this baby changed the
destiny of every human being who has ever lived. I am, of course, talking about
Jesus. Through his life, death and resurrection, the promise of eternal life in
a restored and renewed creation is made available to every human being.

To God, every human life is precious – every baby born is a
child of destiny. He loves his creation and is aware of every aspect of it.
Jesus told us not even a sparrow lives and dies without God being aware of it.
He added, “Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

Through Jesus, every human being has become a child of
destiny. And that is the core of the good news found in the gospel.