He Came To His Own: A Christmas Story Of Open And Closed Hearts

OPENING ILLUSTRATION: Play the video “The Shepherd’s Story.”

INTRODUCTION: Christmas is the celebration of God’s greatest gift to humanity—Jesus Christ, our Savior. But from the very moment of His birth, Jesus was met with contrasting responses: rejection by some and joyful acceptance by others. These biblical examples hold valuable lessons for us today, offering a mirror to examine our own hearts.

King Herod, driven by fear and the desire to protect his power, rejected Jesus and sought to destroy Him (Matthew 2:16). The innkeeper, consumed with the busyness of life, failed to make room for the Messiah and turned Mary and Joseph away (Luke 2:7). The Jewish religious leaders, though knowledgeable in Scripture, were spiritually blind, indifferent to the arrival of the long-awaited King (Matthew 2:4-6). These responses reflect attitudes we still see today—fear of losing control, preoccupation with worldly priorities, and apathy toward Christ.

In contrast, there were those who welcomed Jesus with open hearts. The wise men sought Him from afar, recognizing His divinity and worshiping Him as the newborn King (Matthew 2:1-12). The shepherds represent a humble, receptive and evangelical spirit. In Luke 2:8-20, they are the first to hear of Jesus' birth and respond with haste and joy. Simeon, a man of faith and patience, waited expectantly for God’s fulfillment of His promise and embraced Jesus as the Savior (Luke 2:25-35). Anna, a prophetess devoted to worship and fasting, rejoiced at His arrival and immediately shared the good news with others (Luke 2:36-38). These individuals remind us of the joy and faith found in accepting Christ with sincerity and devotion.

Even today, these contrasting responses to Jesus can be seen in the world around us. Some reject Him out of fear, distractions, or indifference. Others seek Him, wait on Him, and celebrate His presence. As we reflect on the birth of Christ this Christmas, let us ask ourselves: How do we respond to Jesus, our Savior? Will we make room for Him, open our hearts, and joyfully welcome His presence, or will we turn Him away?

This Christmas, may we choose to respond like the wise men, Simeon, and Anna—seeking, embracing, and worshiping the Savior who came for us all.

1. WHO REJECTED CHRIST?

(a) KING HEROD: THE THREATENED HEART

• Biblical Account: In Matthew 2:1-8, we see King Herod’s fear and insecurity when he hears from the wise men about the birth of the “King of the Jews.” Herod doesn’t view Christ as a Savior, but as a threat to his power and authority. His response is horrifying—ordering the massacre of all boys under two years old in the region of Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16-18). Herod’s pride and selfish desire to maintain control blinded him to the truth of who Jesus was.

• Contemporary Parallel: Today, many reject Christ because they see Him as a threat to their sense of control. When Christ's teachings of humility, servanthood, and love intersect uncomfortably with ambitions for power and success, He is often pushed away, consciously or subconsciously. Submitting to Jesus means surrendering our lives, desires, and autonomy to the King of Kings. Like Herod, some fear that following Christ will require too great a cost to their own ambitions and agendas.

(b) THE INNKEEPER: THE OCCUPIED HEART

• Biblical Account: In Luke 2:7, we read that Mary and Joseph could find no room in the inn. While the Scripture doesn’t elaborate on the innkeeper’s attitude, the result is clear—he missed the opportunity to welcome the Savior of the world. His inn was too full to make space for Christ.

• Contemporary Parallel: How often do we find ourselves like the innkeeper? Life is busy. Our schedules are packed. In the middle of the hustle and bustle of work, family, entertainment, and personal satisfaction, many people are “too full” for Jesus. In today's busy world, Christ is often sidelined due to the 'busyness' of daily life. The Christmas season itself can become so cluttered with gifts, events, and celebrations that the true meaning is pushed aside. A busy and occupied heart is one that cannot welcome Christ in.

© THE JEWISH RELIGIOUS LEADERS: THE INDIFFERENT HEART

• Biblical Account: When the wise men approached the religious leaders and inquired about where the Messiah was to be born, these leaders knew the answer. They quoted Micah 5:2, acknowledging that the Christ would be born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:3-6). Yet, they didn’t bother to seek Him themselves. Their knowledge of the Scriptures did not translate to genuine faith or action.

• Contemporary Parallel: Today, many have a religious knowledge of Christ but no personal relationship with Him. This can be seen in cultural Christianity where traditional and religious practices are followed for comfort or habit, rather than from a place of true faith. Head knowledge without heart transformation leads to rejection of Christ, even if it comes in the form of passive indifference.