Nougat 22

Each year the styles and themes change, it’s all splashier, and yet somehow the world doesn’t seem socially or spiritually transformed. Why? Is it that we who know Him need to revisit the ‘why’ and ‘who’ we celebrate, whether or not we accept the date of Jesus’ birth? Consider today’s Holy Nougat

“Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Why Celebrate/Worship?

Matthew gives a general date … ’during the reign of King Herod.’ For some of us, we are inclined to question more, when during Herod’s time? And why is it important to mention the time of Herod, yet not mention the actual date? I find myself drawn to Isaiah 6, where a similar stylistic device is used to reference a moment of major importance. Isaiah’s ‘conversion’, rather his epiphany occurred ‘in the year King Uzziah died’. This suggests to me that although kings life events provided markers for dates, God’s sovereignty superseded kings and kingdoms.

We also may conclude that even our system of Chronological dating may be suspect – Jesus was not necessarily born in 0 BC/0 AD; but it was some time between 37-4 BC. For that’s the timing of Herod’s reign. Yet we don’t often quibble about the year we live in.

You might also question who Herod was – he was part Edomite (of Esau’s lineage), but Jew by conversion, and a shrewd politician. A refugee, Roman citizen by status, he was crowned King of Judea, and married into one of the most influential Jewish priestly families under Pax Romana – which was the Roman colonial era. The king’s influence in Rome was unquestionably positive and he had their full blessing in all he did. Under his reign, Palestine was also ceded to his kingdom and some other territories (courtesy of the online Britannia). I share all this so we realize the power Herod wielded. Operatively, from Rome’s standpoint, Herod was the King of the Jews.

Matthew tells us that Jesus, the King of Kings, Who is still celebrated as supreme King (thus a very real threat to Roman rule and by extension Herod’s reign), was born in King Herod’s jurisdiction at sometime during Herod’s lucid reign. (For Herod’s mental health deteriorated toward the end of his reign). And Matthew introduces Him to us here as King of the Jews! What a political quandary.

How is this Joy-filled or even important you ask? It’s partly about the timing. God chose to become human at the beginning of modern colonialism, declaring that the kingdoms of this earth are not a match for God. Moreover, with the expansion of trade routes throughout the empire/s, travel was facilitated for non-traders. The ‘wise men from Eastern lands’ were definitely NOT Jewish, or Roman for that matter. But God gave them revelation about the birth of the Messiah-King. They believed, and were on their way *to worship Him*.

Despite the astrological influence, the magi believed and were ready for full worship. This Gospel is not restricted to one group of persons only. We may be among the chosen, but the Gospel call is for all. Our task at all times then, is to ensure that others understand the Truth of the Good News.

Empires still exist in our day. Trade routes have increased access to travel and communication. We still have a mandate to find the True King of the Jews and worship Him. And I assure you, it’s not the one who’s instigating the war in Palestine presently. We also have the directive from Jesus to teach, preach, and baptize. It begins with our sharing the joyful reality that Christ was born so that you and I can enjoy abundant life. Reason to celebrate? I think so

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May all we seek be found in Christ