Emmanuel — sometimes spelled Immanuel — is one of the most familiar words in Christian tradition, showing up on Christmas cards, in carols, in the names of hospitals and churches. But its meaning is more specific, and more personal, than most of us pause to consider.

What does it actually mean for a King to reign? Mark doesn't answer with a throne. He answers with a towel, a cross, and a King who chose to serve rather than be served.

It can be easy to feel closer to Jesus than to God in the Old Testament. Jesus is approachable — He ate meals, told stories, got tired, wept. The Father, especially as revealed across Israel's long history, can feel harder to reconcile with that same nearness.