Christmas ViewpointSample

The Bethlehem Brothers

'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. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.'"

As we read the Christmas account, we feel a sense of joy and wonderment, but it is important to note that the story has a dark side. Yes, the Saviour of the world came to earth, but at a cost.

Joseph is warned in a dream to move his family to Egypt to escape the ensuing wrath of King Herod. In an uncontrollable fit of rage, Herod orders all baby boys up to the age of two years, following the information he received from the Magi concerning the birth of the Messiah, to be executed to secure his role as King in Judea. If the Christ Child came into the world, he would eliminate an entire generation of males to ensure his throne.

We envision distraught mothers as they held the lifeless bodies of their infant sons, innocent victims, and senseless deaths. It all seems too horrific to imagine.

Yet, use your imagination. Look ahead over thirty years into the day following the death of Jesus. The tomb has been sealed, and there is an eerie silence throughout Jerusalem. Scripture tells us Jesus was at work breaking the power of death – Satan’s last weapon against humanity. Can we imagine that the first to be set free was His Bethlehem Brothers, who gave their lives so that Jesus could give his for the whosoever?

Viewpoint Reflection

Herod’s decision was one made from worldly attainment. What about you? Have you ever made a decision motivated by less than noble desires? Looking back, what have you learned about yourself, and what changes have you made to move forward?