It Starts Small

When we read the gospels, we see many examples of how people rightly responded to the birth of Jesus. Mary, Joseph and the shepherds all responded in obedience and worship. Many others grasped the weight of the moment. Then there were some who did not have the right response and did not share in the seal others had.

Herod, was a wicked king. He was the complete opposite of the pharisees. The pharisees were legalists (they used the law to rule, corrupt and deceive) and King Harrod was into the practice of licentiousness. He was lawless. There were not rules on earth of from God that governed this man’s life. No one was going to tell him what he could or could not do as king. He gave into every sensual desire he had. This king had received news a new king was born in Bethlehem. This new king threatened his lifestyle so he ordered all the Jewish boys in the area, under the age of two, to be killed. Jesus had escaped this.

This horrific atrocity was nothing more than a false assurance to Herod. Herod could have gone with the wisemen and lay his crown at the feet of Jesus. Herod should have seen the hope and peace that Christmas brought. Herod should have recognized that his little regional authority was meager compared to the King of kings and Lord of lords. Instead, he was blinded by his own lusts for power and glory.

Christmas is only good news to those who recognize Jesus and who he truly is!

Ponder: Are there sins in your life that keep you from appreciating the good news that Jesus brings? Keeps you from making Him the King of your life and Lord of your heart?