Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. (Matthew 2:1-3 ESV)
Hatred
Not everyone is excited to hear about Jesus. Among the Biblical witnesses, the most disappointed was King Herod.
In our modern folklore we see some who hate Christmas. The Grinch, for instance. And of course, Ebeneezer Scrooge.
But those two Christmas-haters were transformed. Both the Grinch and Scrooge ended up gloriously among those who love Christmas.
But not Herod.
Not only would he hate Christmas if he were alive today, but he feared, despised, and hated the Christ child.
I think I would be a Christ hater if it weren’t for the Father’s amazing grace. I would be a Christ hater if it weren’t for the power of the Holy Spirit in me. I would be a Christ hater if it weren’t for that baby miraculously born in just the form that allows for my salvation.
I would hate, therefore, Christmas.
I am Scrooge, though, because God changed me. I am the Grinch, though, because God changed me.
And so are ALL of His people!