Christmas is far more than the birth of a baby. It is more than a holiday, or a celebration or a season of goodwill. It is the beginning, the beginning of the end, actually. Christmas opens the final act in the redemption story that began long ago, in eternity past. The first stop on our journey to Christmas was a beautiful garden. Next, we stopped in Nazareth and the fields outside Bethlehem and then we paused at the manger. Last week we stopped at the Temple in Jerusalem. Our final stop is just across town from the Temple. It is the palace of Herod the king.

The Wise

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star at its rising and have come to worship him” (Matthew 2:1-2).

These Magi, perhaps from as far away as Parthia, had some amazing, and no doubt God-given, insight. They were watching and immediately recognized the star as extraordinary, and they correctly interpreted what they saw. Yes, the star was exceptional, the King it announced was even more so. Note they didn’t come merely to honor the King but to WORSHIP Him. They gathered precious gifts and set out for Jerusalem, which could have been a journey of more than a thousand miles. They arrived at the most logical place to find a king – the palace.

Often our Christmas scenes picture three men on three camels. But that is probably not the whole story. Due to their wealth and position, these men would have had servants to attend them, copious supplies and money for the long journey, and likely guards to protect everything. It was no small thing when they rolled into Jerusalem. I picture Prince Ali’s arrival in Agrabah from Aladdin or maybe a presidential motorcade.

Now consider, are we attuned and watching for the Messiah’s second coming like the Magi were for His first? Do we have treasures laid up to present to Him like they had? What are we willing to undertake to be able to worship Him?

The Disturbed

When King Herod heard this, he was deeply disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him (Matthew 2:3).

History calls him Herod the Great, but he was insanely jealous and incurably paranoid. He built fortresses to protect himself from insurrection. He executed his wife, her brother, and three of his own sons. The news that one had been born king of the Jews and was not a political manipulator like himself was an immediate threat. Interestingly, he knew exactly who he was dealing with. He quickly called the religious leaders and scholars to the palace and asked where the Messiah would be born. Armed with that information, he concocted a plan to have the Magi find the baby so he could eliminate the threat.

Of course, we would never see Jesus’ kingship as a threat to our plans, our routine, or our goals, would we? Threat may be a stronger word than we are comfortable with, but our flesh never wants to surrender to Christ’s kingship. If we allow it, it will plot and scheme to drive us further and further from the Saviour.

The Overjoyed

When they saw the star, they were overwhelmed with joy (Matthew 2:10).

After the Magi left Herod’s palace, the star reappeared. God honored their sincere desire to worship Christ and ensured the star would lead them to the right place. They saw the Christ child, fell down in worship and presented the lavish gifts they brought. Mission accomplished!

Are we inclined to give up in discouragement or frustration when we are met with obstacles? Are we as certain of Christ’s identity and worthiness?

The Murderer

Then Herod, when he realized that he had been outwitted by the wise men, flew into a rage. He gave orders to massacre all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, in keeping with the time he had learned from the wise men (Matthew 2:16).

We end our time at the palace in Jerusalem on a somber, heartrending note. Hatred for and opposition to Christ and His followers is real. It is far more serious than dropping Merry Christmas in favor of Happy Holidays. But remember, the newborn King is also King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Make no mistake–all those who oppose Him will either be converted (like we were) or vanquished. In the meantime, let us thank God for Christ, and recommit ourselves to making sure everyone hears the glorious Good News that echoed off the hills around Bethlehem that night long ago.

Let me leave you with these verses from Paul’s letter to Titus to sum up the past, present and future Good News of Christmas.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus (Titus 2:11-13).