2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose 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 Messiah was to be born. “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 shepherd 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 search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” Matthew 2:1-8

As the Magi neared Jesus’ birthplace, they began questioning further about the star they had seen. They were getting closer and closer to their final destination.

Herod heard this and was disturbed. Why would the the king be disturbed over the birth of a boy?

Evidently the commotion about this newborn would have caused great clamor in the land. The Magi, probably much more than merely three individuals, would have attracted a lot of attention. No newborn had ever caused so much fuss. The Magi and their entourage had some serious gifts to give this newborn. Plus they were claiming He was the king of the Jews.

Herod felt threatened. He even told the Magi that he wanted to go and worship the boy too. We all know it was a lie.

This Christmas season there will be people you know who are threatened by the celebration of the birth of this newborn. I mean, after all, it’s merely a harmless child that we are celebrating, so what’s the harm?

The time for arguing, cajoling, and prodding is over this season. They need to see the new life lived out. They need to see how that newborn has changed your life. There may be a time to discuss it later, but for now, showing them the authentic life is paramount.