“Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him’” (Matthew 2:7–8 ESV). Any child in a Christmas pageant knows this is a trick. Yes, Herod should have worshipped the Christ child, but to conceal his motives he can only pretend worship. He will pay lip service to the ancient religion of Israel long enough to get what he really wants, so he cross-examines the good news. He will use faith and the faithful for his own ends of power and preeminence. Yes, the child playing a wise man in the pageant knows it; anyone who knew Herod would have known it. The Christ child was in grave danger. The wise men had to be warned by a special revelation to protect the child from a very evil man.
Lord Jesus, open our blinded eyes to our own agendas lest we miss or pervert the Good News. Amen!
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