Advent Reader: Choosing the Light

Matthew 2:13-18

This is a part of the story where it’s difficult to find the “bright” side. This passage is likely not a favourite for anyone, “…gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under…” This is not the feel-good reading we want to associate with Advent.

The life of Jesus began with hardship, and hatred from others to the point of desiring His death so much they would kill all male children around His age. This same attitude carries on through His life from those in authority. Yet, Jesus is the Light in the darkness. He didn’t retaliate, as the Jews of the time hoped. He didn’t go to battle, as they expected. He came as a light of truth for all, offering forgiveness and eternal life with Him – even for those who wanted to kill Him.

This is the verdict: light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. John 3:19

Herod was known to be evil. Throughout history, there have been many known to be evil. But evil does not have the final say. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life and has made the way for us to have eternal life with Him. Celebrate that truth this Advent season.