“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him." (Matthew 2: 10-11)

Every Christmas, we celebrate the joy of Jesus. But at the first Christmas, King Herod stepped in to steal that joy. Like the magi, we might be challenged by a Herod this season.  A Herod can be anything we experience during Christmas that tries to stop us from finding joy. For those entering December already joyful, a Herod seeks to destroy that joy. 

The magi dealt with a literal Herod determined to destroy the joy Jesus would bring.  The magi are summoned by the powerful, earthly King Herod who commands them to find this new “King of the Jews” and report back.  We know (as I’m sure the magi knew) that Herod is lying when he says he wants to worship this king.  Herod intends to murder baby Jesus.

But Matthew’s story also tells us how these wise men overcame Herod.

• The magi prepared to meet Jesus.  
• The magi journeyed to Jesus.
• They brought their gifts for Jesus.
• They bowed down and worshiped him.
• And in all this, they were overjoyed. 

Matthew’s recounting is a reminder that I can follow in the steps of the magi each Christmas as I seek the joy of Jesus.  

Anything that keeps me away from church or discourages me from learning about Jesus is a Herod. Like the magi,I can prepare to meet Jesus and journey towards him by studying the Christmas story in the Bible. And I can journey alongside others seeking Jesus at church. 

Anything that keeps me away from sharing my gifts is a Herod.  Like the magi, I have gifts to bring. I have the gift of service.  Beyond serving at church or at a charity, I can also serve people who need a friend or a helping hand or someone to share a meal.  I can help those who are facing their own Herod get on their journey to Jesus.

Anything that keeps me from welcoming Jesus on Christmas morning is a Herod.  Like the magi, I will also worship Jesus. I will greet Christmas morning by celebrating Jesus. I will ultimately thwart my Herod and be overjoyed by Jesus.  

My own Herod reminds me I don’t have enough time for Jesus this season. My Herod commands that work, decorating, and shopping are more important. But I will confront my Herod and keep my heart focused on preparing for Jesus. 

Whether our journeys are brightly lit by stars or beset by Herods trying to steal our joy, we can prepare to meet Jesus and find his joy.

Acknowledge the Herods in your life that want to steal the joy of Jesus this holiday. But instead of giving Herod power, focus on your journey towards the joy of Jesus. How can you prepare? What gifts can you bring? How can you celebrate his joy?