Even if you don’t own one, you will see cars every day, and for some they are more than a mundane way to get around ( my own personal attitude). For some people, a car- its make, model, and accessories becomes an item of utmost importance.
How does that happen? How do we get so attached to a temporary object that will rust, dent, and eventually get junked?
However it happens, the process is much older than the invention of motor vehicles. Herod was a king of Judea during the time Jesus was born. We hear of him briefly in the Christmas history, but at that point in the Roman Empire, Herod was a man of great power and importance. In fact, he is known today as ‘Herod the Great”. One of his chief characteristics was his ambition and determination to keep hold upon his power, and the many murders and intrigues he took part in as a result are well documented. (1)
People become attached to objects that give them pleasure and power, and it can eclipse all else in their lives. When we hear of the way individuals act in history, or read stories we like to imagine ourselves as the heroes and the ‘good guys’. Few of us think that we will be the selfish Innkeepers, or wicked Herods. Certainly we would not commit crimes to insure having our own way…
But one of the lessons of Christmas is the way the humble people of the earth were the ones who most welcomed God’s Son and received the good news of his Kingdom.
How threatened Herod, who the Roman rulers called “King of the Jews”, must have been when ambassadors of Eastern nations, the Wisemen, came seeking the King of the Jews, who was ascertained with a sign from Heaven, a special star! And to complicate matters for him, the old records of prophecies were stirred up to find the birthplace of such a one. Herod was ensconced in his throne and supported by the mighty Roman Empire; he did not wish for any challenges to made to his claims.
And the New Testament account records the heinous act of the murder of the innocent children in his madness to retain title to authority in Judea.
Are we ready to displace God’s claim in our lives? Or will we allow him his rightful place? Who is in the drivers seat right now? Because that is one of the most important decisions we make with our cars…. and with our lives.
Sing the carol “I Saw Three Ships”.
Jesse tree ornament is the scallop shell.