December 21st

December 21: Matthew 2:3-6

Matthew 2:3-6  (NIV)

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

“‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

   are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for out of you will come a ruler

   who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Reflection

King Herod was not happy about the announcement of the birth of a King—and for good reason. A new King would put him out of business. Ultimately, Jesus wouldn't come to challenge Herod’s power—at least not in a traditional sense. Jesus would challenge the idea of power and bring Herod down by establishing an everlasting Kingdom. This Kingdom is made up of people from all walks of life, over the ages, who have chosen to look to Jesus as their King. More than 2000 years later, this Kingdom has never been stronger. Herod’s kingdom—or any nation for that matter—comes and goes.

Where is your allegiance: to the nations of this world or to the person of Jesus? Or to something else?

Prayer

God, the One who reigns for all time, receive us as worthy servants.