Christmas is a wonderful time of celebration. It’s a time when we get together and exchange gifts, share a meal and enjoy each other’s company. But most of all it’s a time of celebrating the coming of King Jesus nearly 2000 years ago.
King Herod’s Response
In Matthew chapter 2 after Jesus was born a star was placed in the sky as a “sign” for His birth. When King Herod heard of this star he was “troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.” King Herod became so angry at the possibility of a King greater than himself, he ordered, according to verse 16, “that all the boys in Bethlehem and the surrounding vicinity, under the age of two be killed.”
The Religious Leader’s Response
When the religious leaders were told about this “star” they went on with life as usual. The King and Messiah they were waiting for was a military leader. Their expectations went unmet so they ignored the Savior.
The Wise Men’s Response
But the Wise Men “saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him.” And after they offered Him gifts they departed “to their own country by another way.” The response of the Wise Men is a picture of genuine faith. They not only came and worshiped Jesus, but they did not return the same way that they arrived.
The Gospel
When we come “face to face” with Jesus Christ we are never the same. He meets us where we are, but by grace, He doesn’t leave us the way He found us. God finds us in our sin and brokenness and forgives us and pours out His love on us. That is a life changing moment. Knowing we are forgiven through the ultimate sacrifice of the cross moves us to walk this journey with Jesus. So, we acknowledge that we are not in the same place anymore. We have different priorities and changing attitudes. Our story describes three characters with three separate responses to the birth of King Jesus: anger, indifference and worship.
What will be your response this Christmas?