St. Matthew warns us of focusing on self over Christ in his Gospel. It starts with the Christmas story. Will we carry the spirit of Herod and Jerusalem that was fearful and destructive? Will we follow the spirit of the wisemen and Joseph who pursued God’s calling in their life? This is a theme strewn throughout Matthew. The climatic point is in chapter 12 where the religious leaders attributed the miracles of Christ to Satan. Even in this dark climate, Jesus showed up, and performed his ministry, and brought the hope of salvation. We need to heed the warning of Matthew.

We have everything to gain, not lose

The wisemen’s report of looking for the messiah rattled Herod and Jerusalem. The people with all the information were not looking for what actually brings hope. The report that the “king of the Jews” was born frightened people. This lead to the eventual slaughter of boys two and under around Bethlehem. The spirit of Herod destroys. It begs the age old tension when it comes to Christ: We think there is so much to lose, not that there is so much to gain. With Christ we gain all.

God pursued is God found

Jospeh and the wisemen pursued God. Joseph, as a righteous man, carried out God’s instructions when given. He was ready and able. The wisemen were looking to the stars and pursued. My personal belief is this pursuit stemmed from the impact of Daniel and his crew centuries ago. God showed up and revealed Himself. Christ is not hidden, we must pursue Him. As Matthew writes later, seek first the kingdom of God.

God’s Word is sure

Throughout Matthew’s account it states that while tragic things were happening, it allowed Gods’ Word to be fulfilled, literally and clearly. God was not surprised by the events or the responses. This relates to trust. God allowing the harshness of life to continue does not mean He is absent or unaware. The harshness reveals who God is, who we are, and what it is we pursue. The temptation is to look inward and our own protection. The opportunity is to pursue God and see His plan carried through. The choice is ours and God has a plan. These two concepts come together in Christ.

Joy found in misery

The joy in the Christmas story comes form God showing up. The conditions were not favorable to happiness, but joy was abundant. The promise of God, His best gift, God Himself, showed up on Christmas Day. Those who did not have much had joy. Those who had seemingly everything though they had much to lose and were miserable. Joy is not found in our circumstances. It is found in God. Choosing to pursue Christ brings joy even when conditions are not favorable to happiness.

The warning of hope

God giving us warnings is to point us to the hope of repentance. We see warnings as marks of fear not opportunities to be at peace. Hope is found in nothing less than Jesus. We can so easily fall into the spirit of Herod. We can also easily fall into the arms of Jesus. The wisemen gave and worshiped for they received everything by meeting Jesus. God’s warnings point us to the hope we have in Christ. As King David said “your rod and staff comfort me.”

Have a merry Christmas by pursuing God and the joy that comes with that pursuit.