When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; — Matthew 2:3 (ESV)‍‍

There are a number of words that we typically associate with Christmas and Advent. Joy, peace, hope, love, gifts, trees, carols, lights, Red Ryder BB guns…you could probably go on and on. But I’m guessing none of us would ever associate the word “troubled” with Christmas. After all, what could be so troubling about an overlooked infant placed in a manger, born into a nobody family in a nowhere town?

As it turns out, quite a bit.

Herod’s problem was not that he didn’t understand who Jesus was. Rather, he knew exactly who this child was…
and he hated him.

Matthew tells us that visiting Magi from the East, (frequently referred to as wise men), being led by a divinely directed star, came seeking the newborn king of the Jews so that they might worship him. They inquired of Herod where they might find this infant king. This is what troubles Herod, ultimately igniting his infanticidal rage. Herod’s problem was not that he didn’t understand who Jesus was. Rather, he knew exactly who this child was…and he hated him.

Jesus’ birth meant that Herod’s knee must bow and that his tongue confess that Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11).

Herod knew that Jesus was the prophesied and long-awaited true King of Israel. Herod was just a fraud. Jesus’ birth meant that Herod’s knee must bow and that his tongue confess that Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). Corrupt King Herod was willing to make any compromise that was politically expedient to his continued faux reign. But the one thing he could not do is acknowledge this newborn child as the rightful true King…his King. For Herod, the birth of Christ was a threat; an unwelcome heavenly invasion.

As we approach this Christmas, may we not be blinded or intoxicated by mere sentimentality. Yes, we ought to enjoy this wonderful season with all its festivities, wonder, and traditions. But we must remember that the birth we are remembering and celebrating is the birth of the King. If we seek to protect and maintain our own autonomous rule and reign, we too like Herod will find this time quite troubling. But, if, like the Magi and the shepherds, we approach the manger to worship with humility and awe, we will find our hearts filled with joy, our sins forgiven, and our lives rightly ordered under the gracious rule of the Christmas King.
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Liturgy

Almighty King,
Lord, God, and ruler of all.

All things were created by you.
All things are sustained by you.
All things exist for you.
We are no exception.

In sadness, we confess that like Herod, at times,
we see your birth and your rule as a threat.

We think we know better, that autonomy is the way to
freedom, that submission to you means slavery.

We are wrong.

Lord, forgive us.

Like the Magi, lead us to yourself.

Remind us that it is only in submission to you
that we can ever truly be free.
Our freedom is why you were born.
Our joy was purchased through your anguish,
our life through your death.

In joy, we gladly confess there is no greater name, and no
higher throne, no greater dominion than yours.

Teach our knees to cheerfully bow.

Teach our tongues to gladly confess that
you and you alone are Lord.

Teach us O Lord, to delight in your sovereign rule
over all of creation.
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Amen.