“‘A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.’” (Matthew 2:18)
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the Magi came from the East asking where the King of the Jews was born. King Herod heard this and called all priests and scribes to question them about this king. They told Herod that it is written by the prophet that Jesus will be born in Bethlehem of Judea.
Herod planned to kill Jesus and lied to the Magi, asking that if they found him to come and let him know. But the Magi didn’t come back. Then, Herod ordered his servants to kill all boys aged under two years. He fulfilled what is written in Jeremiah and quoted in the verse from Matthew above.
This tragedy happened because of political issues — a king was afraid to lose his position. The strange thing in this story is that Herod believed what was written by the prophet and must have believed that all what was written will happen. But his heart was blinded by the love of power.
This story is very similar to what happens now in the Middle East — and especially in Lebanon and Palestine. These areas are considered the playground of international fighting for the purpose of building power and authority. For years in Palestine, and for more than a year in Lebanon, mothers are crying for the loss of their children and hundreds of families are destroyed.
A person stands in the scenic Kadisha Valley, a holy landmark for Lebanon’s Maronite Christians, in the northeast mountain town of Bcharre, Lebanon, on July 21, 2023. (Hassan Ammar/Associated Press)
People are still looking for a king and are ready to serve him and sacrifice for him. But all earthly kings are fighting to get more power, whatever the cost — even if the price is hundreds and thousands of dead children.
The true king already came and paid the price to free us. He only asks us to trust him and accept him by faith. The Christmas season is meant to remind us about hope that a spiritual king is still waiting for us to put him on our heart’s throne to live in peace in the middle of the storm.
Lina Sawan Raad is a professor in Lebanon and vice president of the Baptist World Alliance.
NOTE: This is part of our Unsettling Advent devotionals running Dec. 1-Dec. 24. You can subscribe for free and receive them each morning in your inbox.
