Matthew 2:16-18- Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was utterly furious and sent forth and killed all the male children who were in Bethlehem and the surrounding region, from two years old and under, based on the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet:

18 “In Ramah a voice was heard, grieving and weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be comforted, because they are no more.”[c]

Herod, having realized that he had been tricked by the "wise men" who did not return to him to tell him where "Jesus" was, became furious, frustrated, enraged, fearful and angry. Evil at it’s worse!

In the midst of his fury of roller coaster emotions, Herod now set forth in motion his plot to kill "Jesus" by ordering every male child in Bethlehem and the surrounding region, from 2 years old or under be slaughtered.

Although Herod was the king and His commands would be put in action, He is not the ultimate authority, God is!!

Even though the ruthless command of Herod was carried out in the brutal killing of all infants 2 years old and younger, Jesus was spared for God directed Joseph to take Him to Egypt where He would be safe until the death of Herod.

Instead of singing, rejoicing and worshiping at the good news of the arrival of the long awaited "Messiah", there was jealousy, doubt, unbelief, hate, rage, anger, disbelief, rejection and on and on.

God has given His Son, Jesus as the ultimate sacrificial offering for the sins of humanity through the shedding of His blood at Calvary.

Jesus was born to die for you and I. The question to be answered on today by you is "how will you respond" to Jesus birth?"

God bless.

Debra