The Grinch That Tried To Steal Christmas

SCRIPTURE

Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the wise men’s report of the star’s first appearance.

~Matthew 2:16, NLT

QUOTE

Herod the Great was a barbarian, a malevolent maniac.

~Josephus

The Wise Men got Herod shook up when they rode into town asking questions; especially this one,“Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” Herod the Great was a cruel dictator who was obsessed with power. The Jews feared him but they had no desire to worship him. He was ruthless. He had his mother-in-law executed. Perhaps you are thinking “so what, if I had his power, I might do the same.” Well, it gets worse, he had a brother-in-law executed, two sons and one of his ten wives. When he realized that the Wise Men had out foxed him, he was furious. He sent his soldiers back to Bethlehem and they slaughtered every male child two years old and younger.

God spoke to Joseph in a dream and warned him to flee Herod’s wrath. Joseph woke Mary up in the middle of the night and they left for Egypt. Some think they used the gold given to them by the Wise Men to finance their trip and stay in Egypt. In the movie, Herod’s executioners get there the next morning after Joseph and Mary have fled to Egypt. Herod died a few years later in misery and pain.

What a contrast between Herod the king and Jesus the King of kings. The Romans gave Herod power when he was 25 years old. He used it and abused it and then lost it forever. Jesus was born a KING, He had power from birth. He used His power to help others. Jesus power will never be diminished!

What kind of power do you have? Will you use it to help others? 

• Two more office days until Christmas.
• Today we pray for FAMILY. Why don’t we focus on families who will be missing a family member this Christmas. Grief seems to be a heavier burden during the holidays.
• Preston is better and Katie Sparkman is tired and wants rest. All the children are doing well as far as I know.
• Edward T. is home; I saw him from a distance.
• If any of you SMITH LAKE folks need some trees to bait your Crappie holes, there are plenty at church. You can’t miss them, Marty put them in the front. Get a truck load.
• Deacon and wives meet this Sunday at 8:55 on the money. Biscuits and donuts will be there around 8:45. LCBS at 9:00 and worship at 10:15. LORD willing we are preaching on HE WHO IS BORN KING OF THE JEWS. No pm services.