Light casts shadows.
An apropos thought as Jesus enters the world.
The Light of Men, born in Bethlehem.
· Bethlehem, where Jacob laid to rest his dear wife Rachel.
· Bethlehem, where King David was born.
· Bethlehem, where the prophet Micah prophesized the Messiah would be born.
· Bethlehem, a few kilometers from Herod’s manmade wonders.
The Light of the World broke into His world. Eternal rays flooded across the sin-stained world of Herod, complete with his glorious Palace and Herodium.
Such was the setting of the climatic event of all history: Jesus, Immanuel, born in the shadow of Herod.
Shadows, the contrast of light and dark, mark the scene.
The contrasts go further.
Wise Men: they seek him, welcome him, worship and adore him.
Herod: seeks him as well, yet fears him, opposes him, hates him.
Shadows, light and dark—division—Jesus causes it.
Consider how Herod asks the priests and scribes. They know the Scriptures. When asked where the Messiah is to be born, they quickly answer from Micah—Bethlehem.
They are face-to-face with men from the East who have followed a sign who are seeking them. But did these “men of God” go to greet His Messiah? No.
They had the knowledge but did nothing. This is the danger for those with the knowledge. Pastors, teachers, and those who know their Bible, are in danger.
In our story today, the hearts of those who were learned actually hardened. They joined Herod in his murder of children (2:16).
Knowledge about God is no replacement for obedience to God.
When you think of Jesus and His birth, when the words of Silent Night flow in your mind
Silent night, holy night
Son of God, oh, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth
The Light of Christ warms the coldness of heart, if we step out of the shadows.
Have you stepped into the Light?