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.
2. WHO ACCEPTED CHRIST?
(a) THE WISE MEN: THE SEEKING HEART
• Biblical Account: The wise men, also known as the Magi, traveled a great distance, following a star to worship the newborn King (Matthew 2:1-12). They weren’t Israelites, but they recognized the significance of Jesus’ birth, bringing valuable gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to honor Him.
• Contemporary Parallel: Today, the wise men remind us of those who seek truth amidst a world of noise. They represent seekers and believers who would traverse any difficulty to find deeper spiritual truth and embrace it wholeheartedly. They are willing to sacrifice comfort, time, and resources to find the Savior. Their seeking leads them to encounter Jesus and respond in worship.
(b) THE SHEPHERDS: THE HUMBLE HEART
• Biblical Account: The shepherds’ story (Luke 2:8-20) exemplifies God’s invitation to the humble and the outcasts. Their immediate response to the angel’s announcement was one of belief and action—they went, they saw, they worshiped Jesus, and they told others.
• Contemporary Parallel: When we lay aside our self-sufficiency and pride, we become receptive to the beauty of the gospel, eager to share the good news of His love with others. God's invitation is for everyone. Like the shepherds, we are called to receive this gift of grace humbly and share the good news with joy.
(c) SIMEON: THE WAITING HEART
• Biblical Account: In Luke 2:25-35, we meet Simeon, a devout and righteous man who had been waiting for the “consolation of Israel.” God promised him that he would not die before seeing the Messiah. When Simeon holds the baby Jesus in the temple, he proclaims, “For my eyes have seen your salvation” (Luke 2:30). He recognized Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promise and gladly embraced Him.
• Contemporary Parallel: In the modern context, those akin to Simeon are individuals who patiently align their lives with God’s promises, waiting faithfully for His plans to unfold, sustaining their hope in His Word. They trust His Word and wait with faith and hope, even if the world tries to discourage them. Today, those with waiting hearts find joy in receiving Jesus as the One who fulfills their deepest longings.
(d) ANNA: THE WORSHIPFUL HEART
• Biblical Account: Anna, a prophetess, spent her life worshipping God in the temple. When she encountered the baby Jesus, she gave thanks to God and spread the word about Him to those who were waiting for redemption (Luke 2:36-38).
• Contemporary Parallel: Reflective of Anna, there are those today whose lives are a testament to their faith, always ready to share the hope of Christ's coming with others, displaying relentless devotion in their daily walk. Anna’s response mirrors those who recognize the worth of Christ and pour out their lives in worship and witness. In today’s world, worshiping Christ isn’t just about singing songs—it’s about living in total devotion to Him and joyfully proclaiming the good news to others.
3. TODAY, WHY DO PEOPLE REJECT CHRIST?
• PRIDE: Like Herod, many people don’t want to relinquish control over their lives. Choosing Christ means acknowledging our need for a Savior and surrendering to His authority.
• BUSYNESS: Like the innkeeper, people get so consumed with the affairs of life that they never make room for Jesus. They may not actively oppose Him, but their neglect results in rejection.
• INDIFFERENCE: Like the religious leaders, some are spiritually apathetic. Knowing about Jesus isn’t the same as knowing Him personally. Intellectual knowledge without a repentant heart can lead to rejection.
4. TODAY, WHY DO PEOPLE ACCEPT CHRIST?
• A HUNGRY HEART: Those who, like the wise men, sense the emptiness of life without Christ and seek Him will find Him. As Jesus promised, “Seek and you will find” (Matthew 7:7).
• A HUMBLE HEART: The shepherds’ story (Luke 2:8-20) exemplifies God’s invitation to the humble and the outcasts. Humility positions us to see and accept Jesus.
• A TRUSTING HEART: Like Simeon, those who trust in God’s promises and are open to His timing will encounter Jesus and experience His salvation.
• A WORSHIPFUL HEART: Those who, like Anna, recognize the worth of Jesus cannot help but offer their lives fully to Him. They find lasting joy and purpose in worshipping and serving the King of Kings.
5. WHAT IS THE GREATEST GIFT OF CHRISTMAS?
The birth of Jesus invites each of us to respond to the gift of salvation. How will you respond this Christmas? Will you be like Herod, the selfish king, unwilling to bow to Christ? Will you make excuses like the innkeeper, keeping your heart closed because of a busy life? Or will you shrug Him off like the religious leaders, allowing apathy to prevent you from seeking Him?
Instead, let us emulate the Wise Men, Shepherds, Simeon, and Anna—those who recognized Jesus for who He is and welcomed Him with open hearts. As John 1:12 says, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
6. HOW TO LIVE OUT CHRISTMAS DAILY IN OUR LIVES?
• Embrace trust over fear by surrendering your plans, ambitions, and control to God.
• Intentionally create holy space in your heart and lives for Jesus daily.
• Bridge the gap between knowledge and faith by applying biblical teachings to your life.
• Make seeking Jesus a daily pursuit.
• Cultivate patience and anticipation for God’s timing. Incorporate worship, fasting and devoted prayer into your routine.
May your Christmas be filled with meaningful reflections and joyful affirmations of Christ's presence in your life.
