Christmas Conspiracy/Reclaim Christmas Series
Celebrate Jesus/Matthew 2
Bruce B. Miller
Celebrate Jesus Matthew 2
Even though you may still be eating left-overs, Thanksgiving is over and it is Christmas time. We did not dare go shopping on black Friday? Who here braved the stores on Friday? Who went out the earliest? Anyone go shopping before seven in the morning? Six? Midnight?
Why do we do all this stuff? We’re in a church worship service, so of course you know the right answer: Jesus. You know the slogan: put Christ back into Christmas. At Christmas we celebrate Christ or at least that’s what we are supposed to be doing. But we all know that Christmas has been commercialized in a major way. This is when many retail businesses make the majority of their annual income. Americans spend over four billion dollars on gifts every year. As much as we know the right answer, we fall into the commercialization of Christmas.
There is cultural pressure to “de-Christify” Christmas. Merry Christmas has become Happy Holidays. Jesus makes people nervous. We are exploring telling people about Christ Fellowship though ads in movies theaters. We were told that their company policy is not to use the names of any deities so we could not use the name Jesus in our ad text. That ticked me off. Of course they can say nothing about the official name of our church so I am happy that we are Christ Fellowship. We are all about Jesus Christ.
It’s time we reclaimed Christmas. That’s what Christmas Conspiracy is all about. This four-week study is rooted in the desire to experience the true meaning of Christmas. How can we make Christmas more about him and less about us? This is the challenge of Christmas Conspiracy.
The Christmas season should be all about Jesus. A time when we put down our burdens and lift a song up to our God. A season where love wins, peace reigns and a king is celebrated. But that’s not always the way it happens, is it? It should be a time to celebrate the birth of a savior, but often turns into a season of stress, traffic jams, and shopping lists. We focus on parties, shopping and cultural traditions. And when it’s all over, many of us are left with this empty feeling of missed purpose. Is this what we really want out of Christmas?
We are joining thousands of Christians in hundreds of Churches calling for a Christmas Conspiracy. Often the word “conspiracy” is used in a negative light, but we mean it in the positive sense of a group of Christ-followers willing to stand against the culture. Jesus calls us to be counter-cultural. Let’s conspire together at Christ Fellowship to resist the forces of consumer culture telling us to buy gifts on credit cards using money we don’t have to buy gifts that people don’t want. Let’s conspire together to resist the greed that drives buying. Let’s resist the advertisements enticing us to envy and covet, tempting us to believe we are not content without the latest version, the newest model. Let’s not make Christmas about us and what we will get.
Who is this whole Christmas season for again? I think it is a huge birthday party for someone. So who should get the gifts? And what kind of gifts does the guest of honor appreciate? The point of Christmas is to celebrate Jesus. We know that, but what is the reality in our lives? Over the Christmas season, are you really, seriously celebrating Jesus or are you just doing the culturally appropriate Christmas-things?
To help us diagnose our hearts and discover how to celebrate Jesus over Christmas, I invite you to test your heart on a scale with King Herod on one end and the Magi on the other end. In a minute I’ll explain more about these two people. You see for Herod Christmas was all about Herod. For the Magi Christmas was all about Jesus. The Magi were some of the first people who were part of the Christmas conspiracy. They refused to take part in Herod’s self-interest. They refused to buy into his lies.
The vastly different Christmas celebrations of Herod and the Magi form a fascinating study in contrast. Christmas is filled with contrasts: a time of great joy and seasonally a time of depression; a time of great giving and great greed; families laughing and fighting, opening the door for each other and slamming the door in each other’s faces; a time of drinking punch and a time of getting smashed. What kind of Christmas will you have?
As we look at the biblical story, I want you to consider your own life; will you have a more Herod-like Christmas or a more Magi-like Christmas? How could your Christmas be less Herod-like and more Magi-like?
Who were these people? Let’s start with Herod. We know quite a bit from historical records. The historian Josephus wrote extensively about Herod. There are several “Herods” in the first century. The man we meet today is called Herod the great. According to Josephus, Herod was a man of immense physical strength and daunting military prowess. (Barnett, Paul. Behind the Scenes of the New Testament. Downers Grove. InterVarsity Press, 1990, Pp 21) Herod was shrewd and powerful.
Herod constructed ten impregnable fortresses. (Barnett, Paul. Behind the Scenes of the New Testament. Downers Grove. InterVarsity Press, 1990, Pp 21) He built a palace, a hippodrome – which is a major stadium for horse racing. He was the Jerry Jones of his day! He also built a gymnasium and started the massive Jewish temple and built a large artificial harbor on the Mediterranean. (Barnett, Paul. Behind the Scenes of the New Testament. Downers Grove. InterVarsity Press, 1990, Pp 22) This was one successful guy.
Not only was Herod a great successful builder, but he was also a shrewd, ruthless man. Herod constantly watched his back. He had many powerful adversaries. He understood the need to be ruthless if you want to get power and keep power. He had a vast network of spies to keep track of his enemies.
Little has changed today. Those of you in business or politics know how cut-throat it can be. Competitors trying to put your company out of business; black-balling; law suits, counter-suits; threats; theft; lies; intimidation; black-mail. Herod was determined to look out for number one. He made a name for himself, leaving an amazing legacy of buildings and a reputation for toughness. You did not mess with Herod.
I know Herod is not a nice character, to put it mildly, so we could tend to distance ourselves from him, but before you do that, let me suggest that we all have a little of “Herod” in our hearts. I too want to leave a legacy, to build great things. I too know we live in an evil world. You have to look out for yourself and protect yourself. We all have Herod-tendencies. When we live for number one, we are showing Herod-like behavior.
In the New Testament King Herod is set in utter contrast with the Magi, powerful men likely from a royal court. Who were the Magi, the so-called wise men? The Greek term refers to Priest-sages, well known throughout the Greco-Roman world for their intellect. They played major political and religious roles in their own countries, probably exercising considerable influence in places of power. They were not Jewish. Western tradition says that there were three wise men, but Matthew gives no number and it appears to be a simple deduction from the number of gifts.
As we look at the biblical story, I want you to consider your own life; will you have a more Herod-like Christmas or a more Magi-like Christmas? Open your Bible to Matthew chapter two. Compare yourself to Herod and the Magi. Place yourself on the scale between Herod and the Magi by answering three questions that we will ask ourselves. None of us is totally on one side or the other. This Christmas, how could you be less Herod-like and more Magi-like?
Please stand for the reading of God’s Word. Matthew chapter two:
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” 3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: 6“ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” 9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. 13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” 14 So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, 15 where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”16 When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Matthew 2:1-17
The child creates very different reactions in the Magi and in Herod. Herod is disturbed and furious; the Magi are overjoyed and worship. Herod wants to be his own star; but the Magi are following Christ’s star.
What is this star? Some say the star was a natural phenomenon; some say it was supernatural. Which is it? There were unusual astronomical phenomena at the time including a rare alignment of planets verified by modern astronomy and a comet recorded by ancient Chinese and Korean astronomers. I believe God may have used these natural events to alert the Magi, but I think the star was more than natural. The balance of the evidence leans to a supernatural event because the star led the Magi directly to the home where Jesus was and stood there. Many years before one of the most ancient prophecies of the coming Messiah said in Numbers 24:17 a star shall come out of Jacob. After his resurrection and ascension, in Revelation 22:16, Jesus is called, “the bright morning star.”
The important thing to note is that God gave a sign and the Magi exhibited great faith in traveling a great distance to worship a baby who was born a King. They were not Jews, yet they bowed to His authority. They gave expensive gifts that they brought at great risk since travel in those days was not exactly safe. To what lengths are you going to celebrate Jesus this Christmas?
Let’s look at the contrasting characters in this story: Will we join the conspiracy with the Magi or will we join the culture with Herod? Where are you on the scales? How will this Christmas season really be about Jesus? Here’s the first of our three diagnostic questions: are you more thrilled or threatened by Jesus?
Are you more thrilled or threatened?
Herod was threatened. This star indicates a legitimate Jewish king. Jesus is born king of the Jews whereas Herod’s kingship came merely from political appointment. He immediately reacts to protect his own interests. Herod is more concerned to save his throne, than to save his soul. This Star-marked King could threaten his interests.
We can be the same way. We know that Jesus might ask us to change things in our lives that we do not want to change; that he might ask us to do what we do not want to do and to stop doing what we do not want to stop doing. Fundamentally, he is asking us to submit to him; to do life his way rather than our way. We like our life the way it is. Who is going to be the ultimate king: you or Jesus? Jesus challenges our authority over our lives. He can threaten us. Will Christmas be more about you or more about Jesus?
Both Herod and the Magi ask similar questions, but with very different motives. They both ask. “Where?” The Magi ask “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? Herod asks the chief priests and scribes, where the Christ was to be born. Although the questions are similar, the hearts behind them are not. Isn’t it the same way with Christmas celebrations? They can look similar: Christmas trees decked out with beautiful ornaments; houses dressed in colored lights; bow-wrapped presents around the tree; stockings on the mantle, but what’s the heart behind the celebration? How can you tell if you are really celebrating Jesus or just going through the culturally appropriate Christmas motions? Go below the surface by asking if you are thrilled or threatened.
The Magi ask where is the one who has been born king of the Jews because they are thrilled to go see him. The Magi went to Jerusalem probably because it was the Jewish capital and went to the official head of the nation, Herod. They come to the current king who has been appointed to that position by the Roman Senate to ask about One who was born King sent by Almighty God. Matthew is playing on the word “King.” He raises the issue of who is the real King. And it is the issue each of us must face. Who is the real King in your life? Who is first, you or Jesus? Are you going to follow the culture as a good consumer or are you going to join the Christmas conspiracy as a counter-cultural Christ-follower?
The Magi ask where is the one born king of the Jews because they have come to worship Him? Herod’s very similar question arises from very different reasons. When King Herod heard about the wise men and the star, the text says he was “troubled.” That’s a mild translation. The Greek word means that Herod was in turmoil, terrified, greatly agitated. Matthew tells us all Jerusalem was troubled with him. When the king’s upset, everybody’s upset. On a much lower level, it’s like when Momma’s not happy, no one’s happy. That happens at Christmas too. Your attitude at Christmas will affect all those around you, especially those who live with you.
Herod is not thrilled by Jesus, but threatened. He loves his power. All of Jerusalem was also upset. It may be that those in power with Herod also felt threatened. If Herod goes down so do they.
While you and I are not kings, we each have some authority. Perhaps you are in charge of your home; you may have authority in the marketplace at work or lead a group at school. Certainly over your own personal life you have responsibility. So how about your “kingship”? The Christmas- child-King calls the legitimacy of your kingship into question. He challenges your right to rule your own life. My wife Tamara and I were visiting Charleston where we went shopping downtown in a famous market. I stopped in my tracks when I saw the name of a store: “It’s all about me.” That’s the place Herod shopped.
Once Herod discovered where Jesus was born, he called the Magi to him secretly, Matthew tells us;
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” Matthew 2:7-8.
The Messiah was born not in Jerusalem, the capital city, but in Bethlehem, a tiny rural village about a five-mile walk south from Jerusalem; it was King David’s hometown. Jesus fulfills the prophet Micah’s prophecy of his birthplace. Micah prophesied:
2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” Micah 5:2 (NIV).
Because Jesus fulfills prophecy we know He is the Messiah.
Herod lies saying he will “worship” like the Magi, but we know better. Herod looks religious, but in fact he is resisting Jesus. Just like the Magi he inquires about where Jesus is; like the Magi, he is interested in the star; like the Magi, Herod says he wants to worship Jesus, but in his heart we know he does not.
We too can deceive ourselves. We can come to church worship services and claim to be Christians, but are we really worshipping Jesus Christ? You may put up a nativity in your house and play Christmas carols, but in your heart to what extent are you really celebrating Jesus?
What is going on with the Jewish priests and teachers of the law? They know the truth in the Bible, but they do not rush to Bethlehem with the wise men. They hang with Herod. Why? It appears that they are protecting their security; watching their own backs, more concerned with political power and job security than with spiritual power and eternal security. How do we do the same today? Are you worried about what is politically correct at Christmas? Do you play it safe by going with Happy Holidays?
Our big question is who our Christmas season is really about? We are using Herod and the Magi as two ends of a scale to help us evaluate our own hearts. Are we thrilled or threatened by Jesus. Try our second diagnostic question: are you more overjoyed or disturbed?
Are you more overjoyed or disturbed?
The Magi go to Bethlehem following the star that shows where Jesus is. When they arrive, the Magi rejoice with great joy and worship Jesus with gifts. They are overjoyed. In Greek this one English word, “overjoyed” translates four Greek words that literally say: “very joyed with great joy.” They are thrilled with Jesus. Test yourself: are you overjoyed with Jesus? This does not mean you are always happy and smiling, but, even in a tough economy, deep in your soul are you full of joy over Jesus’ birth? Are you eager to share Jesus with others?
Or are you more disturbed? The birth of Jesus can be disturbing. It can disturb our minds. Do you really believe that Jesus was born of a virgin? Do you believe that Jesus is both fully human and fully divine? Do you believe he is the promised Jewish Messiah, the savior of the world? Jesus’ birth can disturb your life. The fundamental question is will you give your allegiance to him as your king? Will you give up running your own life, calling the shots? The fact of Jesus’ entry into the world forces a decision: what will you do with Jesus? You cannot ignore him. Will you resist him or bow to him? Salvation comes from accepting Jesus’ gift of salvation by faith. If you have never done so, today will you trust in Jesus? Bow to him making him first in your life? This could be the best Christmas in your whole life. If you trust in Jesus for the first time, really bowing to him as your king, then this will be a special Christmas, your first as a true Christ-follower.
Let’s hit our third and final diagnostic question: will you more give treasures to Christ or protect your own interests?
Will you more give treasures to Christ or protect your own interests?
When they saw the child, the Magi bowed down, worshipped him, opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts. These powerful, intelligent men fall down before an infant and worship him. God is calling you and me to bow before the Christ child. This is Christmas.
The Magi opened their treasures to give him gifts. These were gifts worthy of a king. Gold was associated with kingship and deity. Frankincense is a kind of incense that may symbolize life. Myrrh was used for embalming so it may symbolize Jesus’ death. All three are expensive. The Magi probably gave large portions that they carried in huge treasure boxes on their long journey.
What we do with our treasure, our money, proves or exposes the sincerity of our worship. Jesus says;
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21
Where is your heart? What do you do with your treasures? Do you lay them at Jesus’ feet or do you try and keep them for yourself? To what extent does your giving to Christ show how much you are really celebrating him?
Especially in a down economy, the Magi’s example inspires us; however much money we have or do not have, worship the real King by opening our treasures and giving him great gifts. Will you practice Magi-worship this Christmas?
On the other end of the scale, Herod gave no gifts to Jesus. He was too busy protecting his assets. This Christmas, you will buy gifts for yourself and for various people you love, which is fine. But what gift will you give to the One whose birthday it is? Herod wanted to cling to his treasures, not lay them at Jesus’ feet. Will we put our treasures at his feet or will we hoard our treasures? Are you protecting your assets or are you opening your treasure box to give great gifts to Christ?
Herod claimed he wanted to worship the child. But in his heart he responds very differently. While the Magi are overjoyed, Herod is furious. His offer to “worship” was political grand standing, a lie. He attacks others who he sees as threats to his interest. We do the same, even over Christmas, emotionally and verbally we attack others who threaten our comfort, convenience or how we want to celebrate the holidays. Christmas can be filled with anger and tension as we protect our interests. Christmas is too often a selfish time: I want to watch my shows, play my games, drink my alcohol.
In keeping with his ruthless personality, Herod ordered the murder of the boy babies under two years old to protect his interests. Jesus got away from Herod that day in order to face the day when his Dad would not whisk him away to safety. Jesus got away as a toddler so that later as a man he could atone for the blood of those baby boys and their mother’s tears.
What happened to Herod? Herod was a depressed old man plagued with illness and incessant disputes within his large family. In 4 BC Herod died of a terrible disease. It did not end well for Herod.
What about us? What will our Christmas season be like? Will we be more Herod-like, protecting our interests or more Magi-like, giving gifts in worship? Every human being, sometime in their life, chooses a fundamental response to Jesus: will you push him away or give your life to him? Perhaps like the Magi you are a seeker after truth. They found the true King. Have you? If you have never done so, this Christmas bow to Jesus Christ, the rightful King.
Will you join the Christmas conspiracy? Let’s resist the empire of consumerism as counter-cultural Christ-followers. Are you really celebrating Christ this Christmas? Test yourself with the Herod-Magi questions: are you more threatened or thrilled by Jesus? Are you more overjoyed or disturbed? Will you more give treasures to Christ or protect your interests?
This Christmas let’s conspire together to truly celebrate Jesus!
