1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men[a]from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose[b] and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; (Matthew 2:1-3 ESV)
When Jesus was born there was great fear that set up in the leaders and even more so with the religious leaders of the time. Even today, Jesus who is all about love, is often feared because people do not comprehend how that love works. They may have been in a church, which few exist these days, that taught fire and brimstone. I remember those days and those preachers. Today, many have been “church hurt” and only see Jesus through the haze of those eyes.
It is when we come to the Christmas season understanding that the gift God gave in His Son Jesus, all fear is banished. We start to see Him for who He truly is and gain an appreciation for both the love of the Father and His, sometimes, stern response to how we live. This is when we learn a healthy fear of God and not one of judgement, but of a loving father correcting His children.
Reflect on: Your view of Jesus as we come to the time we celebrate His birth. How do you need to change your thinking and get rid of unwarranted fear.
