Thus says the Lord: A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no more.
- Jeremiah, the prophet
We have softened the image of Christmas. One pictures the beautiful nativity scene, complete with starlight, shepherds, and pristine stable conditions. All is peaceful and calm.
But there is a dark side to Christmas. Just a short time after the peaceful Christmas night, King Herod ordered that all the babies in the area be murdered. He worried about the talk of a newborn king – so much so that he resorted to the slaughtering of innocent children. Jesus’ family fled to Egypt to escape the death sentence. But other families were not so fortunate.
While we may sing “Joy to the World” today, the days after Christmas were of bitter weeping and lamentation for the families who lost their innocent children. Though we take comfort in the birth of Christ, the rulers of Jesus’ day saw him as a threat. And innocent people suffered because of their wrath.
The coming of Christ can either be a source of comfort or conflict. Those who do not know Christ see his coming as an intrusion, his light shining upon evil deeds and practices. Those who faithfully follow Jesus see his coming as the greatest news in the world! God is acting to deliver his people.
Good news. Bad news. Jesus’ coming brings both. It depends on which side you’re on.
Prayer: We remember today, O God, the slaughter of the innocent children of Bethlehem by King Herod. Shower your mercy upon all innocent victims. By your great might frustrate the designs of evil tyrants and establish your rule of justice, love and peace. Amen.
