Past and Present
Christmas. It's kind of a weird time. At it's origins, humble and meek as they were, it was a birth of a child/God in volital times. Makes me take a look at the tired faces of Refugees in my city with fresh eyes ... empathetic eyes.
Herod - Ruler, Egomaniac, Oppressor, Builder, King of Judah - was confronted by news of a possible usurper of his authority. Violence soon erupted as he single-handedly shouted orders to have all boys under the age of 2 murdered. These boys were citizens of his country. These boys had Mamma's and Daddy's that worked outside his palace gates. Again, does this ring a familiar tune in our ears ... sounding a whole lot like current events?
Paranoid and power-hungry he called in the religious leaders and teachers - probably behind closed doors - and asked a question. I love this question. It has stuck with me all morning.
"Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?"
Herod didn't know. He was disturbed by the news of a newborn king. He feared the loosing of his authority and power.
The teachers and religious leaders knew the answer. They knew the prophecy - but they didn't recognize the prophet.
I have found myself in both places. When the unexpected happens ... how often have I turned my previous faith into fear. Or, when knowing the answer to my souls deepest needs, I didn't recognize I had misplaced my trust?
Christmas. It's kind of a weird time. For me ... I'm taking a bit of time to stop and let the past lessons affect present behavior.
just thoughts,
christina
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