Matthew 2:1-8, 16-18 "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. Saying, where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east and have come to worship him. When Herod the King had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and of the scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, in Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, art not among the least of the princes in Juda: For out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may worship him also. . . . . vs. 16. Then Herod, when he saw he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, In Rama there was a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not."
I omitted some verses for the sake of time, but the point of the story was that Herod felt threatened when he heard that Jesus was born, the promised Messiah that was prophesied in ages past. Now here the time came when Jesus was born. Herod was troubled by that and he had sent the wise men to find him. However, in verse 12, they were prompted in a dream to not return to Herod, so they went back to their own country. Herod had lied to them and told them that he wanted the wise men to find Jesus so he could worship Him. But Herod didn't have that intention. Instead, he wanted the Christ child slain. Since the wise men didn't grant Herod's request, Herod ordered all the firstborn from two years and under to be slain in Bethlehem and the coasts thereof. Before then, an angel of the Lord appeared unto Joseph and told him to take Mary and the young child to Egypt because Herod had sought to slay him. Joseph and his family stayed in Egypt until the death of Herod.
Herod was fearful that Jesus would have his throne someday. Many Jewish people of that day were looking for Jesus to one day set up his kingdom here in this earth and deliver them from the Romans. Jesus said in John 18:36 that his kingdom was not of this world. Jesus didn't come to establish a kingdom in this present world. He came to fulfill the law of man in his body, which was something man couldn't do. He came to offer himself as the spotless lamb before many. He came to die for the sins of mankind that man could be redeemed from his sins. There will come a day when Jesus establishes his kingdom. But it won't be in this present world. His kingdom will be established following his Second Coming. He will rule and reign with a rod of iron and righteousness will rule the day. Until then, we can celebrate that hope that lies within us. We can celebrate the birth of Jesus because one day he offered himself upon Calvary as a gift to the world that mankind might be redeemed from his sins. Thank God for that. When we celebrate Christmas today, let's not forget the price he paid on Calvary that we may have life.
I want to wish all you blog readers a Merry Christmas today. In concluding this post, I'm going to feature a colossal of Christmas music, symphony orchestra music, Handel's Messiah, and anything that revolves around Christmas. I hope you enjoy all the YouTube videos.
Home and Christmas--The Spencers
Sweet Baby Jesus--The Kingsmen
Going Home for Christmas--The Inspirations
Manheim Steamroller (Christmas)
Manheim Steamroller (A Fresh Aire Christmas)
Manheim Steamroller (Christmas Extrodinair)
One Hour Christmas Music Playlist
Maycomb Symphony Orchestra (Carols For Christmas)
Christmas Music Celtic Harp
Classical Christmas Music
O Holy Night--The Inspirations
God's First Christmas Tree--The Primitive Quartet
Beautiful Star of Bethlehem--Ben Speer
Joy to the World--Bill & Gloria Gaither
C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S--George Beverly Shea
Christmas Hymns (Part 1)--George Beverly Shea
Christmas Hymns (Part II)--George Beverly Shea
Joy to the World--George Beverly Shea
Have a Holly Jolly Christmas--Burl Ives
Happy Birthday Jesus--The Brooklyn Choir
Birthday of a King--Talley Trio
Handel's Messiah--London Philharmonic Orchestra
Hallelujah Chorus--Royal Choral Society
The Peanuts--Liberty University
Carol of the Bells--Boston Pops Orchestra
Christmas Time is Here--A Charlie Brown Christmas
I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day--Burl Ives
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day--Civil War Background
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