“When they [the Magi] had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up,’ he said, ‘take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.’” 

Matthew 2:13

This verse seems out of place in our happy cultural winter holiday. Christmas is about peace on earth and goodwill toward men, not murder. And who is Herod, anyway? He is not in any of the manger scenes, and unless we read the whole portion of the story involving the Magi, we just don’t see much of him. Nevertheless, it is important to consider him, if only for a moment. Herod is the epitome of self-centeredness and self-absorption. Everything was about him, until the Magi turned up asking about a newborn baby who would be King of the Jews. Herod was king of the Jews! He had sons, but none were newborn. This baby represented a threat to his kingdom that had to be dealt with. Herod had no concept of or interest in the God of the Jews and what His plans might be. There was no place in Herod’s kingdom for God unless acknowledging Him would advance Herod’s cause. Unfortunately, we can find a similar attitude just under the surface of much of the Christmas season celebrated in our culture.

We inadvertently encourage self-centeredness in our children when we encourage them to make their Christmas lists. As a child, I couldn’t wait for the Sears® Christmas catalog to arrive so I could begin making my list by item, page number, and price. Retailers start Christmas promotion as early as they can. For many merchants, it is the make-it-or-break-it season for their entire retail year. Even our modern Christmas songs encourage us to get what is best for us. Though probably more discreet, we adults have our lists as well. We all have things that we want.  What will the children do to get what they want for Christmas? What will we do to make sure our spouse gets the name brand item instead of the middle grade, but affordable, one? How far will we go to get what we want, or to get what they want, for Christmas? It’s not murder, but are we that much different from Herod? Ouch! That hurts a little even as I write it.

So, what do we do if we find this deep-seated self-centeredness within ourselves? John 3:16 reminds us that God loves, and because of His love He gives. You will give gifts this Christmas, and that shouldn’t change. As you prepare for that giving, though, examine your motivation. Today, seek from Jesus the capacity to love, even if that love is not returned, and to give out of that selfless love. Think, today, about giving the way God gives. His gift is thoughtful, beneficial, and beautiful. God knows how to give a gift.
 

Jay W. Hill