The nut does not fall far from the tree.

“But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead.” And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to 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, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee.” (Matthew 2:19-22 ESV).

Well, we are closing in on the celebration of the birth of our Savior. No doubt the stress has already crept in as we ensure we have not missed anything or anybody. As Sinclair points out, the stress we encounter is truly a parable of life, “Stress and Joy.” This is even more true if you are a parent, no matter what the age of your children. Our responsibility surpasses gifts; it encompasses the breath in the atmosphere we breathe out every single day. For better or worse, we shape our children long into the older ages. In my case, I suffer greatly because of genetic afflictions that impair my mobility, causing pain and fatigue. The fact I accept it and welcome it as a cross to carry from which God blesses me in our ministry work is an example, I hope my children reflect on in their old age long after I have gone to be with the Lord. No doubt, the family of Herod breathed in his greed, ill will, and evil desires.

In the spring of 4 B.C., Jerusalem received the news that King Herod was dead. I was evil, and viciousness had come to an end. The pawn king of Satan was no longer a threat to the child king, and an angel once again appeared to Joseph in a dream. It was time to go home. Home, home, where?

Caesar Augustus had divided the kingdom of Herod between his three sons, Archelaus, Philip, and Antipas. Both Archelaus and Antipas traveled to Rome to dispute Augustus's decision. At Passover, just before he left, Archelaus had some three thousand people executed.  Mary and Joseph became aware of Archelaus' rule in Judea and, bypassing Bethlehem, headed straight to Galilee.

Jesus would never truly be free from the threat of the Herod family. Herod the Great is in the beginning, and Herod Antipas is at the end of his life.  It is truly a tale of two families, the Herod family on one side and the family of Jesus on the other. We saw Herod the Great in the company of Eastern scholars who could have brought him to the Christ child, but he wanted to harm him. Thirty years later, the son, Herod Antipas, was in the presence of John the Baptist. A man who could have told him about the Lamb of God, but Herod executed him. Finally, the desire of the entire Herod family was fulfilled as Jesus, on trial, stood before Herod Antipas.

Unlike his father, Antipas was a man filled with fear. He felt nothing in the presence of the Lord and belittled him, asking him to “perform” miracles for Herod’s entertainment. When no miracle was performed, Herod had his soldiers mock Jesus, clothing him in fine clothing and returning him to Pilate. Herod treated Jesus as “the Lamb led to the slaughter.” Fulfilling the words of Isaiah, Jesus said not one word before Herod. “He opened not his mouth.” (Isaiah 53:7).

A few years later, the emperor Caligula banished Herod to a region now known as France. This banishment was carried out after accusations made by the emperor's friend, Herod’s nephew. The line Herodic treachery continues. We meet this Herod Agrippa in the Acts of Apostles, where the nature of the Herodian is revealed. An angel of the Lord publicly struck down Agrippa I for denying God’s glory. Agrippa II was no different and taunted Paul.

Why talk about the Herod family in a Christmas devotion? Because it reveals the long history of conflict between the serpent and the seed of the woman. There are those who say Christmas is for children; this is profoundly true, so what will you give your children in the way of example and family traits? Herod gave his children hatred, greed, and evil desires. What will you give yours? I say we give them the love, patience, mercy, and grace of Jesus Christ. It is the best present we can give, and it never stops giving.

An interesting thought from Sinclair is that there are descendants of Herod somewhere; it is very possible. We do not know who they are if they exist. In contrast, how many of the family of Jesus Christ do you know? You probably know hundreds. There are millions in the family of Jesus Christ, each a brother or sister. I suppose Christmas really is for our children. How glorious is it that they, too, can belong to such a large, historical family? If you are a parent, an aunt or uncle, a grandparent, or a close friend, now is a great time to recommit yourself to blessing our children with what truly matters this Christmas.

Peace and Grace!

Sinclair Ferguson, The Dawn of Redeeming Grace”, The Goodbook Company, 2021.