Matthew 2:12-18
Look around you. At this time of year, it’s easy to find people who eagerly celebrate the secular aspects of Christmas, such as meeting Santa Claus or watching holiday movies. But some of them might be less accepting of the true cause of “joy to the world.”
This hostility isn’t new. Herod was angry when he realized that the Magi hadn’t returned to share the location of the King of the Jews. Herod’s fury was fueled by his desire for power and control. He didn’t want another king to dethrone him. Perhaps some people today scorn the celebration of Christ’s birth for the same reason—they don’t want anyone else “ruling their life.”
Romans 1:18 says that people who reject Jesus have suppressed the truth. Others won’t come to the Light for fear that their deeds will be exposed (John 3:19-20). However, we shouldn’t assume salvation is impossible for someone who is hostile to Jesus. After all, Paul persecuted the church until his conversion, and he became one of its greatest witnesses.
Sometimes people who push back against the true meaning of Christmas may feel like a lost cause. But remember that no one is beyond the reach of Jesus. So make space in your heart for those who don’t know the Lord, and pray they would be open to seeing Christmas in a new way.
Bible in One Year: 2 Peter 1-3
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