God’s Irresistible Presence at Christmas
“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree …” Luke 2:3
“In those days” Caesar in Rome thought he was the mightiest man on the planet. He was sure none could rival him, and he had a strong and mighty army to prove his claim. He would have laughed in your face if you or anyone told him that “No! On a back road on a little village on the far Roman frontier there is one greater than you, one ‘born King’ of all kings!”
“In those days” Caesar Augustus was concerned only about one thing: the economy! He had to keep things moving with higher taxes and keep the trade routes open so goods could flow in and out. Keeping the economy healthy was his great concern, so protecting the trade routes around the rim of the Mediterranean Sea was his highest priority. Build the road and protect the roads from robbers and the seas from pirates, and above all—yes! above all—collect those taxes. — That is what is important.
“No! Caesar, you’re wrong! That baby born in a rundown village is what is important. While that baby means no more to you than the color of mud on a legionary’s sandals—but that baby!—that baby will rule millions. His weapon will be love, and his army will be all volunteers!” That is what’s important.
But another ruler, King Herod of Jerusalem, was greatly troubled by this baby. Men from the East, possibly Iran or Iraq, came saying the skies told a glorious message. A star spoke of a new king born, who was to be “king of the Jews,” that he was “born” king. No one was more insecure than King Herod. He was totally obsessed with power. He could not stand to think of any rivals to his throne—the very thought filled him with rage. No one! — He could not imagine anyone but himself holding the title “king of Jerusalem,” not even his own sons!
As his sons grew to maturity, and because he feared an assassination attempt, he gave orders one by one—his three sons were murdered. No rivals would be tolerated! Absolutely none!
Many who quote Scripture misquote it! It does not say, “born to be the king,” or even, “shall become king”—that’s one thing, but Matthew 2:2 says, “Where is he that is born king …?” Notice, not future tense, present tense, “is born king”! He was king at His birth, He never became the king; He was the king. Yes, Jesus was “born king.” Never, ever let that fact escape you.
It is no surprise that he thought a lot about this baby “born king”—he would lash out with the same insecurity that had controlled him before! He gave a cold criminal order: “Execute all the Jewish male babies and boys!” He had no choice, he thought—“No one must threaten my position. No one! I’ll stop it!” Even if this baby was sent by God, “I can stop God’s invasion of my throne; I’ll kill God’s baby!”
He did it, cutting the throats of thousands of male Jewish children. The blood ran red in the streets because of a king’s blind egomania! Herod produced his own private holocaust.
But in the meantime, according to Psalm 2:4, “The one enthroned in heaven laughs …” not at the death of children—God weeps over such horrors! Evil offends the God of mercy.
But God does laugh at the pathetic human schemes to stop His progress and to limit His sovereignty. And God laughs today at all the Herods of the world! He laughs at secular Caesars.
Let us take note: All of Herod’s pathetic attempts to stop God’s progress are a joke to God. Handling Herods is child’s play for the Lord God. The Bible says, “… the Lord scoffs at them …”
As we would scoff at an irritating mosquito and swat a gnat away or smash it in our hands—just so God deals with the world puppet Herods. In total control of all situations God says at Christmas, “I have installed my king.” (Psalm 2:6)
Let us not get too warm and cozy at this Christmas season. Remember, Christmas was controversial from the start! It caused an immediate unwelcomed reaction!
When Abraham Lincoln was elected President, he had to dress in disguise and come to Washington on a train that was not a direct train. He traveled from Springfield, Illinois, through the Midwest to New York and then to Philadelphia. He then raced through Baltimore overnight to reach Washington at early dawn. All this was done to avoid an assassination attempt. He did all this ten days before his inauguration and then hid away to avoid those who wanted to kill him. Most people don’t know that about Lincoln.
So, Lincoln came into office not exactly in a friendly setting to begin the Presidency! With Jesus, two thousand years ago it was even more hostile from the start—from the manger to the cross—a world filled with seething hatred toward Him!
So, today we should not be surprised if people demand a Christ-less Christmas. Many people want the name Christmas abandoned—just a jolly holiday season at year’s end; that’s all!
This is not new—the world never wanted Christmas! There was the rude welcome given by this world with the innkeeper refusing a room to a king plotting the babe’s murder—what has changed?
Let us never forget this highly controversial side to Christmas.
But history hinges on His birth. Horatius Bonar, a famous Scottish pastor, understood it very well. He commented, “At Bethlehem our world’s history begins. All before and after the birth of the young child takes its color from that event.”
Beware, all modern day Caesars—make sure you change your plans—change them to acknowledge and honor Him!
Beware, all modern day Herods—make sure you don’t try to resist Him! Your arms are too short to box with God. That is forever futile and foolish.
No other empires will stand, no other kings will sit on His throne, no other will rival Him for glory, honor, and praise. Come see Him “born king”—it’s God’s irresistible presence at Christmas, and that is what it all means. “In those days” Caesar issued a decree, but “in these days” let us all issue our own decree, and let it simply be this:
Come and adore Him,
Lay our life before Him.
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