Devotion 5: The Original Grinch
“Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men.” Matthew 2:16
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is one of my favorite Christmas movies. I am not one who only likes the original one; I like the one that Jim Carey starred in 2000. For those who do not really know the story, the Grinch is a sour creature that was born with a heart two sizes too small and lived in a mountain above Whoville. The Whos always looked forward to and celebrated Christmastime time with their families. The Grinch did not have that, so he took it all away.
Christmas has many stories like the Grinch in the past. “Scrooge” and “Krampus” are a couple more. There was an original Grinch; however, his name was King Herod.
Herod would become King of the Jews in 37 BC, making him king of Judea during the time of Jesus’ birth. He ruled the people harshly for 33 years and had a great impact as the king, though he could never be the rightful heir to the throne he sat on. Only one from the line of David who was fully Jewish could ever qualify for such an honor. The true King of the Jews had to be born King of the Jews.
Herod was ruthless as he attempted to gain complete control of Judea. He killed anyone that he saw as a threat to his power. He killed his wife, sons, and many others in order to secure his throne. This really sounds like Shakespeare! Richard III wants to be king, but there are 187 men, women, and children between him and the throne. So, he decides to kill them all! If Netflix decided to do a mini-series on Herod, who are they going to cast as Herod? Would you choose Jack Nickelson, Anthony Hopkins, or Sauron? This guy was nasty.
He learned of the newly born King of the Jews via the wise men. He knew he had to take out this baby, so he tried to trick them to get more information. When that did not work, he killed all the male babies two years old and younger. It was simply horrendous.
There are always principalities and powers that attempt to stop Christmas. There are events in our world that attempt to get our focus only on worldly things. There are happenings in our lives and relationships with people that we have that attempt to stop Christ from being born in our hearts on a regular basis.
What is attempting to stop Christ from being born in you this Christmas? I hope no one is trying to kill you, but what things are drawing your attention away from the baby in the manger? Is it a broken relationship that has you angry or deeply hurt? Are you unsettled at your job, and unsure how you are going to make it through this season? Is this Christmas just too dry and normal, so you want something more?
Just like Jesus’ birth, which we celebrate, nothing can stop Him from coming. We can look to other places, people, and things that distract us, but He came. He is waiting for you to look at the manger and see Him for Who He is, the King of the Jews and the King of your heart.
Will you live for Him this Christmas and beyond? Will you find your peace in Him? Will you carry His name everywhere you go? Will you trust Him? Will you allow Him to be born in you this Christmas?
Do not let a Grinch steal your joy which can only be found in Jesus.