When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. —Matthew 2:3
Every year the advent of the Christmas season heralds the reminders of what Jesus came to free us from. Greedy merchants vie for our time and our money. Church pews empty as shopping malls fill. Picketers are set in place before nativity scenes in public squares, demanding their rights and denying ours.
Herod greedily welcomed the wise men, expecting a new avenue of commerce to advance his realm; but he grew troubled when he learned of their true mission.
The spirit of the world is troubled at Christmas time, as believers gather to honor and worship the King. Do not allow the traditions of Christmas to turn into empty rituals. Let your birthday celebration be more than just a reminder of your faith. Let it testify to a dying world of the awesome sacrifice Jesus made. All the glory of heaven was His, yet He gave it up to come to earth for you and for me.
Herod could not surrender the throne of life to Jesus. He sought to destroy the true King of life. Will you surrender the throne of Your life to Christ?
Jesus, rule and reign victoriously in my life.
Make of my life a winsome witness to the
world of Your love and grace. Amen.
Curt Landry 
Michael L. Brown 
Rabbi Eric Tokajer 
