Not Everyone Welcomes Jesus

Matthew 2 NASB95

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; For out of you shall come forth a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ” Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.” After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way. Now when they had gone, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to destroy Him.” So Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt. He remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and sent and slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and all its vicinity, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the magi. Then what had been spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: “A voice was heard in Ramah, Weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; And she refused to be comforted, Because they were no more.” But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, and said, “Get up, take the Child and His mother, and go into the land of Israel; for those who sought the Child’s life are dead.” So Joseph got up, took the Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Then after being warned by God in a dream, he left for the regions of Galilee, and came and lived in a city called Nazareth. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophets: “He shall be called a Nazarene.”

Introduction:

We live in world that accepts religion, it just does not accept Christianity, at least not in its pure form (following Christ/living by the word of scripture). It has been many years ago now that Chuck Colson wrote the book “Against the Night” where he wrote the following:

The Paradox

Another poll sheds light on this paradox of increased religiosity and decreased morality. According to sociologist Robert Bellah, 81 percent of the American people also say they agree that “an individual should arrive at his or her own religious belief independent of any church or synagogue.” Thus the key to the paradox is the fact that those who claim to be Christians are arriving at faith on their own terms -- terms that make no demands on behavior. A woman named Sheila, interviewed for Bellah’s Habits of the Heart, embodies this attitude.

“I believe in God,” she said. “I can’t remember the last time I went to church. But my faith has carried me a long way. It’s ‘Sheila-ism.’ Just my own little voice.”

Against the Night, Charles Colson, Page 98

In many ways we find this same attitude among the Jewish religion leaders. They were so self-absorbed that when Jesus was born, they did not even know. In fact, throughout the Christmas story, all the Jews found out by way of angels and yet, Gentiles were watching and became aware of it without being told. You see, not everyone welcomed the birth of the Messiah. Some found it most inconvenient as we find in . Allow me to pray before we jump into this story of the events following Jesus birth.

Pray

In Matthew chapter 2, we find...

I. The search is on ()

Jesus has been born for some one - to-two years now, yet the religious leaders seem to be ignorant of the fact. What happened to the shepherd’s stories during this time? Shepherds were looked down upon and I suspect the religious leaders blew off any stories they heard from “mere shepherds.” They probably dismissed them thinking they were drunk at the time or they were just making up a story to get attention. For whatever reason, they have continued on with their lives like normal. However, something is about to happen that WILL get their attention!

A. Herod hears of the Messiah’s birth (vv 1-2)

Matthew 2:1–2 NASB95

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”

Matthew 2:1–12 NASB95

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; For out of you shall come forth a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ” Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.” After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.

Here are kings, most likely from Persia, and they have understood enough of the prophecies of Daniel to recognize that the Messiah has arrived. They are so confident of this that they have made this long journey to find him. The length of their journey will shortly be revealed to be somewhere between 1-2 years. If you have ever tried to follow a star to an exact position, you will understand that it is impossible to find an exact position. Chances are they knew from the prophecies approximately where to come, so they would come to Jerusalem expecting the people there would know where this important child is to be found. It must have felt awkward to find they had no idea.

Here is where things get really interesting. First of all, Herod was a really proud man. He had been appointed king over this territory by the Romans. He greatly coveted the title of King of the Jews. He was an Edomite by birth. In other words, he was a descendent of Esau, yet he declared himself a convert to Judaism. This is significant if you understand the history of Judaism. Judaism sprang from the descendents of Jacob. Esau was Jacob’s brother. Esau was the oldest, but Jacob was more ambitious. Jacob took advantage of Esau in a weak moment to get Esau’s birthright. The birthright was the right of the oldest son to inherit a double-portion of the father’s property and to carry the title of “head-of-household.” As head of the family, he had the power to make the decisions for the family. As a father was approaching his death, he would call his son’s together and pronounce a blessing upon each. The oldest son also received the largest blessing. Jacob was not content with the birthright alone. He also deceived his blind father into thinking he was Esau so that he would receive Esau’s blessing. This caused a family riff that continues even today. So Herod being king of the Jews was a big thing since he was an Edomite.

Herod was like Jacob in that Herod was very ambitious. He was a vicious man and murder played a big role in his life. Whenever he felt threatened by anyone, he made sure they were murdered to protect him and his office. Now, here are these foreigners seeking the “King of the Jews” and it isn’t him they are seeking. As a convert to Judaism, Herod would have been familiar with the prophecies of a Messiah. It most certainly would have rankled him to hear of this arrival of the Messiah from foreigners. However, he puts on his best manners to impress these foreign kings and to satisfy is own desire to find this Messiah for his own purposes. So...

B. Herod investigates (vv 3-8)

B. Herod investigates (vv 3-8)

First, he calls for the...

Religious leaders (vv 3-4)

Matthew 2:3–4 NASB95

When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.

I always chuckle when I read, “he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.” You can just imagine the tension that happened when Herod began to gather all the chief priests and scribes. He would not be at all happy to be hearing this news from these strangers, not to mention that these were kings telling him something that has transpired in his own kingdom and he knows nothing about it. I bet he had a few choice words for the Jewish priests once the Magi left.

In the meantime, he wants them to tell him what the prophecies say about where this Messiah will be born. They knew and instantly quoted .

Scriptures (vv 5-6)

Micah 5:2 NASB95

“But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.”

Scriptures (vv 5-6)

We see that the Jewish leaders knew about the prophecies, but it was not important enough for them to be watching for the Messiah. It took foreigners to tell them their prophecies had been fulfilled! That is not a very flattering picture of these Jewish leaders.

Now we find that Herod turns on the charm and gently interrogates the Magi.

Interrogation of Magi ( vv 7-8)

Matthew 2:7–8 NASB95

Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.”

The Jewish leaders have not provided any help in identifying that the Messiah has arrived and they do not seem to be showing any evidence of jumping up to go find Him, so Herod turns to the Magi with all gracious interest. “When exactly did the star appear?” It would feel like he is interested, but the truth is he is trying to determine the age of the Child. He extracts all the information he can from the Magi and then...

C. Herod encourages Magi to continue their search (vv 8:-12)

Herod is determined to make the most of these foreigners by allowing them to do the work of identifying the Child for him. He deceives them by professing allegiance to the Child.

Herod professes allegiance to the Child (v 8)

Matthew 2:8 NASB95

And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.”

The Magi then continue their journey to Bethlehem with Herod’s blessings. Then...

The Magi find the child and rejoice (vv 9-10)

Matthew 2:9–10 NASB95

After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.

What a contrast we have here. Herod is seeking the Child in order to have Him destroyed. The Jewish leaders show know interest in finding the Child Messiah they are suppose to be watching for all these years. Now foreigners take a long journey with a sincere desire to find this Messiah of the Jews and when they find Him, they “rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.” It took foreigners, strangers to see the true value in this Child. Then...

The Magi worship & present gifts (v 11)

Matthew 2:11 NASB95

After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Not only did they rejoice in finding Him, but they literally fell to the ground. These were kings! They had their own kingdoms and were probably used to men bowing to them, but they do not hesitate to fall on their faces before this young infant. Then they present gifts.

How prophetic and visionary are these gifts:

Gold is immediate cash that will provide for the trip and life in Egypt that is soon to come.

Frankincense is indicative of priesthood as it is the incense for the altars.

Then there was Myrrh. Myrrh is the ointment of embalming for the dead. A strange gift for an infant.

As they laid down to sleep that night we find...

God warns the Magi not to return to Herod (v 12)

Matthew

Matthew 2:12 NASB95

And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.

These men are in a foreign kingdom. Their life is perhaps in jeopardy being in this foreign territory, yet they are obedient to God and seek to escape instead of following the directions of the king of the territory. If found, this could place them in danger, but they quickly make their escape avoiding Herod as they return home.

Herod was a man who wanted full control. He was not about to share his lead or worse, but dictated to by another leader. He wanted full control of his life and the circumstances around him and he was not above murder to get it.

I suspect that this is the underlying issue with all those who assert there is no God. It is not really an issue of is there or isn’t there. It is a matter of who is in control. The idea of a god, especially the God of the Bible being in control is just not acceptable to them. They want full autonomy of themselves. They believe they know best. So how is it they feel this way? The answer is found in .

Genesis 3:4–5 NASB95

The serpent said to the woman, “You surely will not die! “For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

They have believed the same lie that Eve believed in the garden. Satan is still behind the scenes pulling strings to create rebellion against God. The truth is, that lie is in all of us. That is why we fight so hard to let go of our lives and trust God. The truth of it all is only understood as we begin to relinquish the control of our lives to God and experience the blessings that occur. Now just a reminder, that does not mean we never experience difficulties. As long as sin is at work in our world, we will suffer from it, but God works in the difficulties redeeming them for us. That is, God uses those times to teach us and restore us as well as use our situation to allow others to see Him at work so they too will believe. There is not regret when we allow God control of our lives.

Well as you can imagine, it did not go well when Herod realized the Magi had left without telling him. Now Herod’s true intent becomes realized when...

II. Herod tries to destroy the Christ child (vv 13-18)

However, God is never taken unaware. God knows the intentions of men and works accordingly with His people. In this case...

A. The angel visits Joseph a second time (v 13)

Matthew 2:13 NASB95

Now when they had gone, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to destroy Him.”

Matthew 2:1

And as I shared last week, we see that...

B. Joseph obeys and takes his family to Egypt (vv 14-15)

Matthew 2:14–15 NASB95

So Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt. He remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called My Son.”

Joseph had a head start on Herod. It took a little bit for Herod to realize the Magi had not returned, yet God warned Joseph the same night the Magi left. Think about it a minute. The Magi came to Herod. Who knows what time of day it was, but it would have been daytime. It would have taken some time to gather all the priest and scribes together. Then you had the ensuing discussion with all of them. Then Herod had his secret meeting with the Magi. The Magi then left to continue to Bethlehem. Bethlehem was only 5 miles away, so it would not take long to get there (which is another reason it is so incredible that the Jewish leaders showed no interest in accompanying them. If it was a journey, you can understand their not going as they would need supplies, but it was only 5 miles. They needed no supplies to go that far!)

It is easy to imagine that it was evening by the time the Magi arrived in Bethlehem after all of this. They would have spent some time there with the baby. After all, they have traveled a long distance. I suspect they were there more than 5 minutes. Perhaps an hour or two. Perhaps they ate dinner with Joseph and Mary. Herod would probably not expect them back for a day or two. That would give Joseph and Mary one to two days head start for Egypt, not to mention they left in the night. This would have allowed them to escape without witnesses.

God has provided gold to provide for this journey and the living they would need to make in Egypt. Not only that, but once again prophecy is fulfilled...

Hosea 11:1 NASB95

When Israel was a youth I loved him, And out of Egypt I called My son.

God provides for Joseph and Mary during this time and God alerts them when it is okay to return. However, in the meantime,

C. Herod has all toddlers slaughtered in the Bethlehem vicinity (vv16-18)

Matthew 2:16–18 NASB95

Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and sent and slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and all its vicinity, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the magi. Then what had been spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: “A voice was heard in Ramah, Weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; And she refused to be comforted, Because they were no more.”

Remember, Herod does not know exactly where the Child is to be found. He only knows it is in Bethlehem somewhere. He has enquired into the “exact” time the star appeared so he knows the boy must be about 2 years old. I suspect he played it safe by adding a little time to it, the same way he played it safe by not only destroying the toddler boys in Bethlehem, but all those in the near vicinity. Herod was taking no chances of failure in this endeavor. However, a person can never outsmart God.

Remember, Herod does not know exactly where the Child is to be found. He only knows it is in Bethlehem somewhere. He has enquired into the “exact” time the star appeared so he knows the boy must be about 2 years old. I suspect he played it safe by adding a little time to it, the same way he played it safe by not only destroying the toddler boys in Bethlehem, but all those in the near vicinity. Herod was taking no chances of failure in this endeavor. However, a person can never outsmart God.

Psalm 33:13–15 NASB95

The Lord looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men; From His dwelling place He looks out On all the inhabitants of the earth, He who fashions the hearts of them all, He who understands all their works.

Psalm 33:

There is nothing we think or do that God does not know. God knew the heart of Herod, just like God knew the heart of Joseph and God instructed Joseph accordingly.

This brings about the question of why God allowed all these children to be killed. We need to remember that the bad things that occur, occur due to the sin of man. They are not God’s doing, but the doings of sin. There are consequences to sin and one of them is death. Death and injustice are part of this sin. Satan is responsible for these, not God. God cannot remove it all without destroying it all. God is working to give a chance for each and everyone, however, when the true day of judgement comes, there will be no more chances given. The lost will be lost eternally.

:

The truth is the idea of total “autonomy” is a myth. There is no such thing. Where we have total autonomy, we have sin which always brings harm to all; good and bad alike. God is working to create a world and a people who will respect His control so they can enjoy paradise. So the righteous suffer for awhile, but it is only a short while. The time will come when we will experience eternity with no further suffering.

And with that, we find...

III. Herod dies but the threat against Jesus lives on (vv 19-23)

Sin and death live on in this world because sin remains in this world for the time being. As long as sin remains in this world, there will always be other Herods, Attilas’, Hitlers’s and Kim Jong-Uns’. It usually does not take long for another to take the fore front and that was the case with Herod who was replaced by his son Archelaus.

Though Archelaus was never king, he was given rule over the Jews and was known to be as treacherous as his father. Here is where are story takes up once again.

A. The angel visits Joseph a third time (vv 19-20)

Matthew 2:19–20 NASB95

But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, and said, “Get up, take the Child and His mother, and go into the land of Israel; for those who sought the Child’s life are dead.”

And we find...

B. Joseph obeys and begins return journey (v 21)

Matthew 2:21 NASB95

So Joseph got up, took the Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel.

Matthew

Once again, we see Joseph’s instant obedience. You can imagine what a relief it was for Joseph and Mary to be able to return to their homeland and their families. However, along the journey they receive news that brings further concern.

C. New threat and fourth angel message (v 22)

Matthew 2:22 NASB95

But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Then after being warned by God in a dream, he left for the regions of Galilee,

How disappointing this news would have been! If Herod had seen the Child as a threat, would not Archelaus do the same? After all, his reputation was not much better than his fathers. I believe the further message from the angel was a response to Joseph’s prayers. But this would have also been a blessing! Joseph was from Nazareth. Joseph had left Nazareth to return to Bethlehem for the census. He had remained there (it was probably too expensive once they got there to go back home after the census. However, now he and Mary can return to the place where their families are probably at.

God has a way of blessing us as He works His will. There have been so many times in my journey when I thought I had sacrificed something to do the will of God only to have Him restore it at a later time. God is like that! He loves to lavish gifts on us.

Matthew 7:11 NASB95

“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!

In this passage it encourages us to ask for what we need, but I have also found many times when God just provided something special and personal without my asking. I knew instantly it was a gift from God. (First ministry birthday, birthday dessert).

D. Prophecy fulfillment

As we saw last week, Matthew punctuates the account with prophecies showing how they are being fulfilled as the story unfolds.

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Matthew 2:6 NASB95

‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; For out of you shall come forth a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”

Matthew 5:6 NASB95

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Micah 5:2 NASB95

“But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.”

Micah 5:2 NASB95

“But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.”

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Matthew 2:15 NASB95

He remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called My Son.”

V 15 -

Hosea 11:1 NASB95

When Israel was a youth I loved him, And out of Egypt I called My son.

- ()

Matthew 2:18 NASB95

“A voice was heard in Ramah, Weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; And she refused to be comforted, Because they were no more.”

Genesis 35:19 NASB95

So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).

Jeremiah 31:5 NASB95

“Again you will plant vineyards On the hills of Samaria; The planters will plant And will enjoy them.

Jeremiah 31:5 NASB95

“Again you will plant vineyards On the hills of Samaria; The planters will plant And will enjoy them.

V 23 - alluded to by many prophets, but not stated directly

The Rachel referred to in this passage is Jacob’s beloved wife from the Jacob and Esau story I told earlier. In we find Rachel dies giving birth to her second son and is buried in Ramah which is in the Bethlehem vicinity where the children are here being slain. The image depicts that she is weeping over these descendants being brutally slain.

V 23 - alluded to by many prophets, but not stated directly

Nazareth was a place of poor reputation. To say one was a Nazarene was meant to be a reproach. We see throughout prophecy that Jesus would be rejected and looked down on by many.

Just like

Conclusion:

Just as Jesus was rejected by many, so we will be rejected at times also. There will always be those who never accept the truth. They want full control of their lives. They are not willing to give it up and for that reason, they will suffer. Not because God is cruel, but what they suffer is due to their own choices. Satan has fed us a line. We are not God. We are not omniscient (all-knowing). For this reason, our own choices are faulty as we do not know what is up the road. However, God does. It is not God’s desire to cause us hardship. He is working hard to safe us and all who will listen. I shared with you last week or the week before Jeremiah’s quote from God.

Jeremiah 29:11 NASB95

‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.

God is working for our good. We may have to suffer a little while here on earth until we get to be in paradise, but God knows that it will all be worth it in the end. He understands it all because as Jesus Christ, He experienced it all with us!

Hebrews 2:10–18 NASB95

For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings. For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father; for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, “I will proclaim Your name to My brethren, In the midst of the congregation I will sing Your praise.” And again, “I will put My trust in Him.” And again, “Behold, I and the children whom God has given Me.” Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham. Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.

Not only has He suffered like us, but He helps us in our suffering. He gives us strength to get through whatever we may be suffering. I will tell you this. What causes us the most suffering are the things we hold onto the tightest. If we do not surrender control to God of all the things of our life, we will experience more suffering because those things have just become our god. When we hold onto them we are choosing our autonomy over God just like Herod. Just like the Jewish leaders. Just like those around us who state they do not believe. There is no difference between them and us if we do not relinquish our control over to God. In fact, we are probably worse since we say “we believe.” Our belief means nothing if we do not act on it. Even the demons believe, they just do not obey. As we are coming up on New Years, I would encourage you to spend these next couple of days doing an inventory. Is there something in your life you are struggling with? If you are struggling, then it means you have not given God control of it. I would encourage you to take time between now and January 1 to give it to God. Don’t be surprised if you find you offer it and take it back. That is normal, but if you keep offering it, you will get to the point where you are tired of taking it back. Whatever it is you are offering, put a symbol on your calendar throughout the year to remind you of your committing it to God. When that symbol shows up, do a heart check to see if you have taken it back and if the answer is “yes,” then offer it again. Continue to do so until the time comes when you can breath and celebrate that you left it with God.

Christmas time draws us back to the baby Jesus. It is a starting place, but too often we allow we allow Christmas day to be the ending place. The next day (or maybe the next week), we go back to our normal routines. However, this year I pray it will be different. Instead of seeing the end of Christmas as a return to the normal. I want you to take time to

Pray