TERROR AT CHRIST'S BIRTH
Matthew 2:16, 18
Then Herod, when he saw that he had been outwitted by the wise men, flew into a rage. He gave orders to massacre all the male children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, in keeping with the time he had learned from the wise men.
“A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”
Not everything about Christmas is joyful or sung about for ages. In fact, some of it is completely overlooked because it is too painful to think about.
But at the time of Jesus' birth, the king of the land wanted Him dead. However, because Herod didn't know where the new King was born. he ordered all the baby boys two years and under to be killed.
Soldiers were dispatched to outlying towns and into people's homes. No-knock warrants having been issued by King Herod, new mothers saw their new baby boys and their toddlers snatched out of their arms and killed in the streets, which ran with the blood of their loved ones.
What was there for them to be joyful about? How could they worship a new King when the one who currently sat on the throne had just murdered their children?
Indeed, how does a person praise God when such sorrow is in their hearts? With great Faith. Even through our tears we can praise God. It wouldn't be easy. We would also be seen as crazy. But having been through great sorrow, I do know it is possible, and that God will carry us through when we can't carry ourselves.
