Christmas Invitation Sent - What's Your Response?

To be honest, I always thought Jesus birth was in complete obscurity.  I know about the manger in Bethlehem, the angel choir, the shepherds, and the wise men, but I did not realize all of Jerusalem got the news.  Herod the king heard the news; the religious leaders of the Jews heard the news; All of Jerusalem heard about it.  

Matthew 2:3-4
3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.

Every religious leader and every Jew knew the prophecy of the coming Messiah.  They knew Bethlehem was the birthplace in the prophecy, and God had sent the message from these three wise men straight to the center of the Jews...Jerusalem!  What was their response?
  • People of Jerusalem:  They were disturbed.  They knew the prophecy, but expectations kept them from going to check it out themselves.  They did nothing!
  • Religious Leaders:  Discussed among themselves; Had all the knowledge; Told King Herod the details; Feared their political standing more than trusted in God's plan.  They did nothing!
  • King Herod:  Feared a rebellion because of this news.  Believed it enough to do something; But fear of losing control made his actions evil.
  • Three wise men:  Went to search carefully, found Jesus and bowed down to worship Him, Gave Him gifts.
God sends us the message - the invitation.  It might come different than expected. It might sounds different than expected, but it will come.  Are you open to hear from God?  Are you open to see God working however He chooses?  Whose response do you relate to in the story? Do you feel threatened by the message, or do you feel excited that truth is a choice away?  The good news is God is near and he is always speaking.  Listen carefully.  The rest of the story is yours to write.  Your response is completely your response.  

I think I will go see Jesus for myself.  Merry Christmas!

-Brandon