Podcasts about Herod

When writing teacher Peter Turchi sees a map, he looks for the adventure it holds. “To ask for a map,” he says, “is to say, ‘Tell me a story.’ ” I seized on that idea when preparing to teach a Sunday school class during Christmas on the “Faith of the Wise Men.” As I studied maps, I learned the Magi traveled some nine hundred miles—perhaps over several months—to find the Christ child, finally finding not a babe in a manger but a toddler living with His parents in a house. Their reaction after such a long trip? “They bowed down and worshiped him” (Matthew 2:11). Their journey invited my students and me to plan with intention to seek Christ more fully. As Scripture tells us, when the Magi finally arrived in Jerusalem, their urgent question was: “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him” (v. 2). Distance didn’t deter their worship. Nor did danger or delays. Herod’s deadly demand was ironic: “Go and search carefully for the child” (v. 8). Nobody had searched more carefully for Jesus than the Magi. We can heed the example of the wise men by seeking Christ carefully, too. Then, as we worship Him, we can expect our heavenly Father to speak to our hearts, leading us from old ways to new paths to journey with Him.

Welcome to Day 2769 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2769– A Baby at Our Age - Get Serious! Luke 1:5-25 Putnam Church Message – 11/30/2025 Luke's Account of the Good News “A Baby at our Age? Get Serious!” – First Sunday of Advent   Last week, we began a year-long study of Luke's Narrative of the Good News in a message titled: “Only the Best -A Gospel of Excellence: Thanksgiving for the Truth.” This week is the first Sunday of Advent as we build anticipation of the coming Messiah. Today's passage is the beginning of a story titled: “A Baby at our Age? Get Serious!” “HOPE IN THE SILENCE — GOD STILL SPEAKS” Our Core verses for this week will be Luke 1:5-25, found on page 1587 of your Pew Bibles. The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold 5 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. 6 Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commands and decrees blamelessly. 7 But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old. 8 Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside. 11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. 16 He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” 18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” 19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.” 21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. 22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but...

1 When Jesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king Herod, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem.Cum ergo natus esset Jesus in Bethlehem Juda in diebus Herodis regis, ecce magi ab oriente venerunt Jerosolymam, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to adore him.dicentes : Ubi est qui natus est rex Judaeorum? vidimus enim stellam ejus in oriente, et venimus adorare eum. 3 And king Herod hearing this, was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.Audiens autem Herodes rex, turbatus est, et omnis Jerosolyma cum illo. 4 And assembling together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where Christ should be born.Et congregans omnes principes sacerdotum, et scribas populi, sciscitabatur ab eis ubi Christus nasceretur. 5 But they said to him: In Bethlehem of Juda. For so it is written by the prophet:At illi dixerunt : In Bethlehem Judae : sic enim scriptum est per prophetam : 6 And thou Bethlehem the land of Juda art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come forth the captain that shall rule my people Israel.Et tu Bethlehem terra Juda, nequaquam minima es in principibus Juda : ex te enim exiet dux, qui regat populum meum Israel. 7 Then Herod, privately calling the wise men, learned diligently of them the time of the star which appeared to them;Tunc Herodes clam vocatis magis diligenter didicit ab eis tempus stellae, quae apparuit eis : 8 And sending them into Bethlehem, said: Go and diligently inquire after the child, and when you have found him, bring me word again, that I also may come to adore him.et mittens illos in Bethlehem, dixit : Ite, et interrogate diligenter de puero : et cum inveneritis, renuntiate mihi, ut et ego veniens adorem eum. 9 Who having heard the king, went their way; and behold the star which they had seen in the east, went before them, until it came and stood over where the child was.Qui cum audissent regem, abierunt, et ecce stella, quam viderant in oriente, antecedebat eos, usque dum veniens staret supra, ubi erat puer. 10 And seeing the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.Videntes autem stellam gavisi sunt gaudio magno valde. 11 And entering into the house, they found the child with Mary his mother, and falling down they adored him; and opening their treasures, they offered him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh.Et intrantes domum, invenerunt puerum cum Maria matre ejus, et procidentes adoraverunt eum : et apertis thesauris suis obtulerunt ei munera, aurum, thus, et myrrham. 12 And having received an answer in sleep that they should not return to Herod, they went back another way into their country.Et responso accepto in somnis ne redirent ad Herodem, per aliam viam reversi sunt in regionem suam.

John the Baptizer was a fascinating character. More attested to historically than Jesus, John was a genuinely big deal! One of the historically attested facts about John was his execution by Herod. Which Herod? You're going to be sorry you asked. But John's death is fascinating- what do the gospels say about it? Do they agree with each other about how/why it happened (what a world that would be!)? And do the gospel accounts line up with other extra-biblical tellings of the story? Then, we're talking pastors. What, exactly, is a pastor? Who gets to be one (only men?)? We're going to dive into the New Testament clergy org-chart, and figure out what the Bible actually says. Pastor, apostle, bishop, deacon... does the Bible tell us what these positions are? Who is supposed to do what? Who qualifies for which position? Who gets to tell who what to do? ---- For early access to an ad-free version of every episode of Data Over Dogma, exclusive content, and the opportunity to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/DataOverDogma⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠      Follow us on the various social media places: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/DataOverDogmaPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.twitter.com/data_over_dogma⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Have you ordered Dan McClellan's New York Times bestselling book ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Bible Says So⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ yet??? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feast of the Epiphany 2026 Gospel Matthew 2:1-12 When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod,  behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,  "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled,  and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people,  He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea,  for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel." Then Herod called the magi secretly  and ascertained from them the time of the star's appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said,  "Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word,  that I too may go and do him homage." After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them,  until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star,  and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures  and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod,  they departed for their country by another way.

But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the Child and His mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the Child's life are dead.” … And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth …. (Matthew 2:19-20, 23)

Send us a textForget the tinsel and crowns—let's meet the Magi where history lives. We sit down with Fr. Dwight Longenecker, author of The Mystery of the Magi, to rethink the famous journey to Bethlehem through the lenses of archaeology, geopolitics, and Scripture. Instead of mystical monarchs following a neon star, we explore a compelling alternative: Nabataean court advisors—astrologers and diplomats—from Petra, navigating trade routes, Roman power, and Herod's volatile court.We dig into why Matthew includes the Magi while Luke doesn't, and how reading the Bible with historical context can strip away later legends without losing wonder. Fr. Longenecker maps the power players of the era—Rome, Herod the Great, and the Nabataeans—and explains how Aretas IV's shaky throne and dependence on Roman goodwill could have sparked a diplomatic mission to Judea. The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh move from pure symbolism to economic fingerprints of Arabian trade, pointing to a real origin and a recognizable protocol of royal homage.And the star? We weigh leading theories: supernatural sign, astrological reading, or rare astronomical event. Rather than a celestial spotlight dragging caravans across dunes, Matthew suggests discerning signs that prompt a journey to Jerusalem and then to Bethlehem. Along the way, we call out Gnostic embellishments—like the “burning baby in the sky”—and return to a leaner, stronger account where faith and reason meet. If you care about biblical history, Epiphany, or how ancient trade networks intersected with theology, this conversation brings the Nativity's most enigmatic visitors into crisp focus.If the reframe sparks your curiosity, follow the show, share this episode with a friend who loves history, and leave a review with your take on who the Magi really were.

On Epiphany, churches often focus on mysterious and joyful arrival of the magi, a jovial tale about three royal kings bringing the baby Jesus finely-wrapped birthday gifts. But the reality is that Herod looms large; his actions twist this tale into a tragedy. In fear, Herod chooses coercion and control. Still, the magi persist and persevere, giving honor to a Judean king with insistent hope that his anointing could lead to the restoration of their own Persian customs and culture within the ever-expanding Roman empire. We can't ignore that the Herods of the world still loom large. The slaughter of the Holy Innocents is a painful story that mirrors devastating modern-day events and realities. And yet, this is the work of insisting on hope. We will share holy communion, as love leads us forward. www.TheLoftLA.org

The Christmas story contains a dramatic cosmic battle that most people miss beneath the familiar nativity scenes. When Jesus was born, an invisible war was raging between God and Satan, with the infant Christ as the primary target. Herod's massacre of innocent children in Bethlehem wasn't merely the act of a paranoid king, but Satan's desperate attempt to destroy God's redemptive plan before it could unfold. Revelation 12 provides the behind-the-scenes perspective, showing a great red dragon positioned to devour the child as soon as He was born. This battle didn't begin in Bethlehem but traces back to Eden, where God first promised that the woman's offspring would crush the serpent's head. Throughout history, Satan has repeatedly tried to eliminate God's chosen line through figures like Cain, Pharaoh, and Haman, but Christmas marked the decisive invasion of God into enemy territory. God's perfect protection of Jesus demonstrates His sovereignty over even the most evil schemes. Joseph's immediate obedience to the angel's warning, fleeing to Egypt in the middle of the night, shows what faithful response looks like when we can't see the complete plan. We overcome in this ongoing spiritual battle through three key principles: confessing our need for Christ rather than denying our sinfulness, holding firmly to our testimony regardless of opposition, and understanding the Incarnation as God's necessary intervention in a world at war. Christmas isn't just a celebration but a confession that we desperately need the Savior who invaded our broken world to win the ultimate victory.

This Sunday we gather to celebrate Epiphany. It is traditionally a time to tell the story of the Magi who travelled from the East to see Jesus and offer valuable gifts. Though the magi are the main characters in this ancient story, Herod looms large in the background, driving the narrative, directing the movement of the magi, and also the migration of the holy family away from Bethlehem. In this final week of our series Insisting on Hope, we will attempt to place ourselves in the story and set some intentions for the year ahead. Will we be moved by fear or moved by love? Link to Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXH9CTJP2E4⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link to Start of Sermon: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXH9CTJP2E4&t=1989sIf you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to First Congo Online - First Congregational Church of Western Springs

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO to this reflectionMatthew 2: 1-12The Magi Visit the Messiah2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;for out of you will come a ruler    who will shepherd my people Israel.'[b]”7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. (Matthew 2:16)

Matthew 2:13-15,19-23   After the wise men had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him." Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, "Out of Egypt I have called my son." When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child's life are dead." Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, "He will be called a Nazorean."

Episode 1010 (8:09) In this episode: Dcn. Brett Edmonson preaches; Reflections on Herod Antipas and Herod the great; We need to be cautious about spending time on protecting the various things in our lives; Some of the freest persons were our martyrs who trusted God's will Audio Produced on Logic Pro Music: Suno.com Related Web Sites:  My Website Podcast PageAll Previous Episodes

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Homily – Repent… and Change the World (Embrace Boredom) Sunday before Theophany 2 Timothy 4:5–8; St. Mark 1:1–8 This is the Sunday before Theophany, when the Church sets before us St. John the Baptist and his ministry of repentance—how he prepared the world to receive the God-man, Jesus Christ. John was the son of the priest Zachariah and his wife Elizabeth, the cousin of the Mother of God. When Mary visited Elizabeth during her pregnancy, John leapt in his mother's womb. But what we sometimes forget is what followed. While Zachariah was serving in the Temple, the angel Gabriel appeared to him and foretold that his son would be filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother's womb, that he would turn many of Israel back to God, and that he would go before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah—preparing a people ready to receive Him. That preparation came at great cost. When the wise men later alerted Herod to the birth of the Messiah, Herod ordered the slaughter of all male children two years old and under. John would have been among them. Elizabeth fled with her son into the wilderness. When soldiers came seeking the child, Zachariah refused to reveal his whereabouts and was martyred between the temple and the altar. Elizabeth soon died, and John grew up in the wilderness, emerging years later to preach repentance and prepare the way of the Lord. John's ministry brings us toward the heart of Theophany. This feast reveals humanity's true relationship with creation. From the Fall onward, mankind failed to live according to his calling. Creation continued to respond as God ordained, but human sin distorted that relationship. Christ alone entered creation without sin, and so creation responded to Him with blessing, not resistance. As we sing at Theophany, "The Jordan was driven back." The corruption in the water fled from His presence, and the waters became holy. This is not only Christ's work—it is also our calling. United to Him, we are meant to bring healing and grace to the world. But first, we must listen to John. First, we must prepare. And preparation begins with repentance.  This is the calling of the Baptizer: "REPENT!" Why is repentance so necessary? Because even when we want to do good in the world, our inner lives are disordered. Without healing, our efforts—however sincere—can miss the mark or even cause harm. This is not because we are evil people, but because we are wounded people living in a wounded world; because we are corrupted people living in a corrupted world.  Without repentance, our action in the cosmos – here represented as the Jordan – is corrupting rather than salvific. A story may help. In nineteenth-century Vienna, infant mortality was tragically high. Doctors were educated and well-intentioned, yet many babies died under their care. Ignaz Semmelweis discovered why: doctors who washed their hands before delivering babies had dramatically better outcomes. Those who did not—even with the best intentions—were spreading disease. Many doctors resisted this discovery. They were offended by the suggestion that they were unclean. But the truth remained: no matter how good their intentions, if they did not wash their hands, they caused harm. It is the same with us. We have tremendous power to change the world—with our time, our money, and our love. But if we have not allowed God to heal us, we will unintentionally pass along the wounds we carry. The Church teaches that this wound affects and disorders every part of us.  This includes the three parts of our mind. First, it affects and disorders our desires. We were created to desire what is good, true, and beautiful, but over time those desires become confused. We begin to crave things that promise comfort or distraction, yet leave us restless and unsatisfied. Much of modern life is built around amplifying these cravings, which makes it difficult to recognize how shaped we have been until we step back. Second, it affects and disorders our thinking. We all rely on ideas and narratives to make sense of the world, but we absorb far more than we realize—from media, culture, and the people around us. Even when we know manipulation exists, we often assume it affects others more than ourselves. Learning to think clearly and truthfully takes time, patience, and humility. Third,  it affects and disorders the heart—the spiritual center of the person, which the Church calls the nous. It is meant to perceive God and discern what leads to life. But the heart, too, becomes clouded. Instead of clarity, we experience confusion; instead of peace, anxiety. This does not mean the heart is useless—it means it needs healing. This is why repentance is required. Repentance is the decision to stop pretending we are already whole and to place ourselves where healing is possible. So repentance cannot remain a vague desire. It must become practical—like doctors washing their hands. That means first stepping away from what continually stirs and infects our wounds. Cut back on social media. Reduce news consumption. Step away from political and religious commentators who thrive on outrage. If something is truly good, it can be added back later. Right now, many of us need distance so our discernment can recover.  We need some boredom so that we can recover our sanity. Second, we need to return to the basics. The prayers and services of the Church are reliable. They are not entertaining—but they are not meant to be. We are addicted to stimulation, and healing requires quiet faithfulness. After prayer comes Scripture—not commentary about Scripture, but Scripture itself. And then silence. Instead of constant noise, spend time working quietly, reading a good book (a book free of targeted advertising), or simply being still. Another part of repentance is restoring the rhythms of daily life within our homes: cooking together, cleaning together, eating together, talking, working, and resting together. These ordinary practices form character and community—precisely what the world works so hard to replace with habits that isolate, distracts, and exhaust us. Let me conclude simply. Without repentance, we carry our wounds into the world and pass them on. With repentance, Christ's healing flows through us into our families, our parish, and our communities. This is why the voice of St. John the Baptist still echoes today: "Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand." The Kingdom is within you. Repent. Wash your soul. And let God's healing mercy work through you. If you are new to the Church, remember this: repentance does not mean hating yourself or trying to fix everything at once. It means turning toward Christ and trusting Him enough to let Him heal you. The Church gives us safe and reliable ways to begin—prayer, worship, Scripture, and a quieter life. Stay close to these, and over time you will find that Christ not only changes you, but also begins to heal the world through you.  This is the sacramental reality of Theophany.

The Christmas season ends on January 6th with the celebration of Epiphany. On this day we remember the story of Herod, an insecure king, who was visited by magi from […]

John 1: 1-18 Susan Scott reminded us of a powerful image from this week's scripture in John where Jesus became flesh and "tabernacled with us." Jumping back in time to Exodus, God instructs the chosen people in great detail on how to build a portable tabernacle, a sanctuary, for God to dwell in, but only a very select few people could enter. Later the tabernacle is built in stone in Jerusalem with the holy of holies that contains the Ark of the Covenant and God's presence, but is destroyed by the Babylonians and then rebuilt when the Israelites return from captivity. During Jesus' time Herod massively expanded the temple, but the building had no Ark, no cloud of glory, no miracles, and no prophesies like the first one - a silence of 4 centuries. The high priesthood was corrupt and under the influence of the Roman occupiers. Into this darkness, John tells us that the long awaited return of God's glory to the temple has been fulfilled by Jesus, to an extant even greater than that of the first temple. But God is doing something new, amazing, and unexpected this time. Instead of being reserved for an elite few, God's glory now walks without elaborate trappings among all the people, prophesying and doing great miracles. As the short, dim days of winter continue, take some time to reflect on the bright glory of Jesus in our lives - God tabernacling with us, not apart from us.

Now when they [the wise men] had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the Child and His mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the Child, to destroy Him.” And he rose and took the Child and His mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” (Matthew 2:13-15)

Send us a textIn the last line of the Gospel, Matthew gives us a spiritual path to follow “And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.” In some ways, this was a dangerous move. In the verses following today's Gospel, Matthew writes: “When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious.I have Mass on Sunday, January 4 at St. Isidore @ 7:30/9:30 am. the 7:30 am Mass is live-streamed https://stisidore.church/worship-online/at St. Andrew @ 5:00 pmfrjoedailey@gmail.com

After listening to the king, they [the wise men] went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the Child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. (Matthew 2:9-12)

Before turning his attention to the church's missionary efforts, Luke returns to give us another story from Jerusalem. Under renewed persecution, Peter had been imprisoned by Herod. But once again, Peter would find a miraculous escape while Herod would meet his fall from pride and vanity. 

A Few Minutes In The Gospel Of Mark  Part 15:  The Death Of John The Baptist  -  English only.  The scriptures describe Herod as a wicked ruler.  His execution of John illustrates a sobering sin.  This is a rebroadcast of a podcast originally recorded on October 19, 2022.

When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea ….” Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the Child, and when you have found Him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship Him.” (Matthew 2:3-5a, 7-8)

Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23When the magi had departed, behold,the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said,“Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt,and stay there until I tell you.Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.”Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by nightand departed for Egypt.He stayed there until the death of Herod,that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled,Out of Egypt I called my son.When Herod had died, behold,the angel of the Lord appeared in a dreamto Joseph in Egypt and said,“Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel,for those who sought the child's life are dead.”He rose, took the child and his mother,and went to the land of Israel.But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judeain place of his father Herod,he was afraid to go back there.And because he had been warned in a dream,he departed for the region of Galilee.He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth,so that what had been spoken through the prophetsmight be fulfilled,He shall be called a Nazorean.

Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23When the magi had departed, behold,the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said,“Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt,and stay there until I tell you.Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.”Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by nightand departed for Egypt.He stayed there until the death of Herod,that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled,Out of Egypt I called my son.When Herod had died, behold,the angel of the Lord appeared in a dreamto Joseph in Egypt and said,“Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel,for those who sought the child's life are dead.”He rose, took the child and his mother,and went to the land of Israel.But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judeain place of his father Herod,he was afraid to go back there.And because he had been warned in a dream,he departed for the region of Galilee.He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth,so that what had been spoken through the prophetsmight be fulfilled,He shall be called a Nazorean.

Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23When the magi had departed, behold,the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said,“Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt,and stay there until I tell you.Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.”Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by nightand departed for Egypt.He stayed there until the death of Herod,that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled,Out of Egypt I called my son.When Herod had died, behold,the angel of the Lord appeared in a dreamto Joseph in Egypt and said,“Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel,for those who sought the child's life are dead.”He rose, took the child and his mother,and went to the land of Israel.But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judeain place of his father Herod,he was afraid to go back there.And because he had been warned in a dream,he departed for the region of Galilee.He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth,so that what had been spoken through the prophetsmight be fulfilled,He shall be called a Nazorean.

An Epiphany Novena for the Discerning Heart Day Six Allowing Christ to Reorder My Way Scripture “And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod,they departed for their country by another way.”Matthew 2:12 Reflection After their encounter with Christ, the Magi do not simply return to their former path. Scripture tells us that ... Read more The post Day 6 – Allowing Christ to Reorder My Way – An Epiphany Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him.” (Matthew 2:1-2)

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251231dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Matthew 2:16 The Comfort of Christmas Herod, furious that the Magi left without telling him where Jesus was, went scorched earth and ordered every boy in the vicinity two years old and younger to be killed. Historians estimate that twenty to thirty children were murdered in his desperate attempt to eliminate the Christ child. It is uncomfortable to read this so soon after Christmas. Wouldn’t it be better to skip this part? Why remember such horror during Christmastime? Because it shows what happens when light enters a world of darkness. When the light arrives, the darkness does not politely step aside. It tries to snuff the light out. This is why Jesus came: to battle the darkness that rejected him from his very first days. This same battle between light and darkness continues in your own heart. When Christ’s light shines within you, your sinful nature fights against it. Yet God remains on your side—God rescued his Son from Herod’s sword so that his Son could rescue you from eternal darkness. Jesus’ death and resurrection became the ultimate light that conquers the darkness. And here lies one of the Bible’s hardest truths: though God possesses all power and hates evil, he still permits suffering. So here is the comfort of Christmas: God may save us from evil, or he may save us through evil. The boys of Bethlehem died tragically, but Christ the Savior was born not to save them from Herod, but from hell, and that is what he did. With God, wherever there is weeping, comfort follows. The grieving mothers of Bethlehem would see their sons again because their King came to save them through tragedy into heaven’s triumph. This is the comfort of Christmas. That even though the darkness could take the boys of Bethlehem away from their parents, it could not take them away from Christ. It cannot take you away from him either. Prayer: Merciful Father, thank you for the comfort of knowing that no darkness can separate me from the light of your Son. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

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https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251231dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Matthew 2:16 The Comfort of Christmas Herod, furious that the Magi left without telling him where Jesus was, went scorched earth and ordered every boy in the vicinity two years old and younger to be killed. Historians estimate that twenty to thirty children were murdered in his desperate attempt to eliminate the Christ child. It is uncomfortable to read this so soon after Christmas. Wouldn’t it be better to skip this part? Why remember such horror during Christmastime? Because it shows what happens when light enters a world of darkness. When the light arrives, the darkness does not politely step aside. It tries to snuff the light out. This is why Jesus came: to battle the darkness that rejected him from his very first days. This same battle between light and darkness continues in your own heart. When Christ’s light shines within you, your sinful nature fights against it. Yet God remains on your side—God rescued his Son from Herod’s sword so that his Son could rescue you from eternal darkness. Jesus’ death and resurrection became the ultimate light that conquers the darkness. And here lies one of the Bible’s hardest truths: though God possesses all power and hates evil, he still permits suffering. So here is the comfort of Christmas: God may save us from evil, or he may save us through evil. The boys of Bethlehem died tragically, but Christ the Savior was born not to save them from Herod, but from hell, and that is what he did. With God, wherever there is weeping, comfort follows. The grieving mothers of Bethlehem would see their sons again because their King came to save them through tragedy into heaven’s triumph. This is the comfort of Christmas. That even though the darkness could take the boys of Bethlehem away from their parents, it could not take them away from Christ. It cannot take you away from him either. Prayer: Merciful Father, thank you for the comfort of knowing that no darkness can separate me from the light of your Son. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

How could one small baby threaten a king? This week, Peter Walsh and John Kennedy read about the wise men, Herod, and the baby who changed their lives. What can we learn from Jesus' humble beginnings, how do scholars try to explain the Christmas star, and how does the beginning of Jesus' life foreshadow the end of it?Questions for Further Discussion:Themes and ApplicationPeter and John describe the story of the Magi as subversive and radical, not merely sweet or sentimental. What makes this story politically and spiritually disruptive rather than cozy or nostalgic?The Magi are Gentiles who recognize Jesus before many of his own people do. Why might Matthew highlight outsiders as the first to honor Jesus, and what does this suggest about who “belongs” in God's story?Geography is described as theology. Bethlehem, Nazareth, Egypt, Jerusalem. How does place matter in this story, and what do these locations communicate about power, humility, and God's purposes?Personal ReflectionThe Magi are attentive both to external signs (the star) and internal guidance (dreams). In your own life, which is easier for you to notice: outer signs or inner promptings? Why?The phrase “they were overwhelmed with joy” stands out in a violent and fearful context. What does joy look like when the world is still dangerous or unjust?The Magi literally change direction, returning home “by another road.” Have you ever experienced an encounter with God that sent you back into your life changed, even subtly?Broader Spiritual ConsiderationsThis story sets empire and kingdom in contrast. How does Matthew challenge conventional ideas of power, authority, and success?The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh echo kingship, worship, and burial. How does holding Christmas and the cross together deepen or complicate Christian faith?Epiphany is about revelation. What does this story suggest about where and how God chooses to be revealed in the world today?Want to have your question or comment featured on the podcast? Leave a voicemail on our Rev'd Up hotline! Call (203) 442-5002.Learn more about St. Mark's at https://www.stmarksnewcanaan.org

Reading ISirach 3:2-6, 12-14God sets a father in honor over his children; a mother's authority he confirms over her sons.Whoever honors his father atones for sins, and preserves himself from them.When he prays, he is heard; he stores up riches who reveres his mother.Whoever honors his father is gladdened by children, and, when he prays, is heard.Whoever reveres his father will live a long life; he who obeys his father brings comfort to his mother.My son, take care of your father when he is old; grieve him not as long as he lives.Even if his mind fail, be considerate of him; revile him not all the days of his life;kindness to a father will not be forgotten, firmly planted against the debt of your sins —a house raised in justice to you.Reading IIColossians 3:12-21 or 3:12-17Brothers and sisters:Put on, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved,heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection.And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body.And be thankful.Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Wives, be subordinate to your husbands, as is proper in the Lord.Husbands, love your wives, and avoid any bitterness toward them.Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord.Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they may not become discouraged.GospelMt 2:13-15, 19-23When the magi had departed, behold,the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said,“Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt,and stay there until I tell you.Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.”Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by nightand departed for Egypt.He stayed there until the death of Herod,that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled,Out of Egypt I called my son.When Herod had died, behold,the angel of the Lord appeared in a dreamto Joseph in Egypt and said,“Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel,for those who sought the child's life are dead.”He rose, took the child and his mother,and went to the land of Israel.But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judeain place of his father Herod,he was afraid to go back there.And because he had been warned in a dream,he departed for the region of Galilee.He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth,so that what had been spoken through the prophetsmight be fulfilled,He shall be called a Nazorean.

What do you do when obeying God feels risky? In today's Words From The Word devotion, Pastor Roderick Webster walks through Matthew 2:13–16 and shows how God protected the young child Jesus through Joseph's quick obedience.After the wise men departed, an angel warned Joseph in a dream: “Arise… flee into Egypt”—because Herod sought to destroy the child. Joseph didn't argue, delay, or negotiate. He moved by night, trusting God's plan even when the journey was long and costly. And in God's perfect timing, provision was already there—gold from the wise men would help sustain the trip and the stay.This episode also exposes Herod's rage and reminds us: God's purposes stand, prophecy is fulfilled, and the Savior was preserved—so that, in the fullness of time, Jesus would give His life for sinners.If you're asking:“How do I obey when I'm afraid?”“Will God provide if I do what He says?”“What's my real purpose in life?”this devotion is for you.✅ Like, comment, and share to bless someone who needs courage to obey God today.▶️ Watch the full Words From The Word Christmas series and grow daily in God's Word.#WordsFromTheWord #ChristmasDevotion #TrustGod #Obedience0:00 Christmas hymn + opening0:46 Warning in a dream (Matthew 2:13)1:55 God's command: flee to Egypt2:28 Obedience without delay3:12 The cost of obedience (long journey)3:41 God's provision (gold from wise men)4:48 Fulfilled prophecy (Out of Egypt)6:19 Herod's wrath revealed9:01 Why you're here (gain world/lose soul)10:36 How to receive Christ11:04 New Year prayer + closing charge

Why would kings tremble before a baby? In this Christmas-season sermon, Rev. David Buchs reflects on King Herod's fear of the Christ Child and what it reveals about power, idolatry, and the kind of King Jesus truly is. What the world sees as weakness and loss, God transforms into victory, life, and redemption.Sunday Worship – The Feast of the Holy InnocentsDecember 28, 2025 | Grace Lutheran Church | Little Rock, ArkansasPreached by Rev. David BuchsKey themes and takeaways: • Why the world fears children—and what that fear exposes about what we worship • Herod, Pharaoh, and the tragic logic of clinging to power • Christ's true throne: not political might, but the cross • The hope of the Holy Innocents and the Christian promise that death is not the end#GraceLutheranLittleRock #LittleRockChurch #ArkansasFaith #LutheranSermon #ChristianPodcast #ChristmasSermon #JesusChrist #ChristTheKing #HolyInnocents #FaithAndHope #BiblicalTeaching #ChristianReflection

The magi arrive at the palace of King Herod, looking for the King of the Jews. Herod welcomes them with false-humility, smiling through his gritted teeth. Something isn’t right.Today's Bible verse is 1 Corinthians 15:50, from the King James Version.Download the Pray.com app for more Christian content including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Pray.com is the digital destination for faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Leader's Notebook (Ep. 293) from our seven-part series, The Magnificent Seven, I walk through the astonishing life and ministry of John the Baptist. He stands as the last Old Testament prophet and the first man to publicly identify Jesus as Messiah. His voice rises out of four centuries of prophetic silence, set against the political brutality of Rome and the corruption of Herod. John does not emerge as a stylist or strategist, but as a singular, God-anointed voice preparing the way. He calls a nation to repentance and redefines the Messianic mission as sacrificial redemption. Standing in the Jordan, he declares Jesus to be the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire. His courage, clarity, and refusal to measure success by comfort or applause confront our modern assumptions about leadership and faithfulness. John's life reminds us that true success is obedience to God's call, even when it costs everything, and that the highest aim of any leader is to see Jesus clearly and point others to Him. – Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook(00:00:26) - John the Baptist and the Taxation(00:01:26) - The Story of the Birth of Jesus(00:07:38) - The Life of Zechariah and the Angel Gabriel(00:15:17) - John 3: Behold the Lamb of God that taketh(00:15:56) - John the Baptist(00:20:25) - John the Baptist's Baptism(00:27:25) - Joel the prophet(00:35:21) - The Personal End of John the Baptist(00:41:06) - John Baptist: A Success or a Failure?

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251230dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” Matthew 2:14-15 Out of Egypt The words in our Bible reading today show that even as a baby, Jesus was already fulfilling prophecy and establishing his credentials as the promised Savior. When King Herod sought to murder the Christ child, God sent the holy family fleeing to Egypt. Seven hundred years earlier, Hosea had foretold that God’s Son would go there and return—and now Jesus, cradled in his mother’s arms, was living out that prophecy. To understand this fulfillment, though, we must recall Israel’s story. Over three thousand years ago, God adopted a nation of slaves and called them his son. He brought Israel out of Egypt, led them through the wilderness, and gave them a new home in Canaan. But Israel did not always return their Father’s love. The people he rescued turned to false gods and sacrificed to idols. Through prophets like Hosea, God warned his disobedient children what would happen if they refused to repent. They deserved punishment for their idolatry. Yet God could not stop loving his son. That is the backdrop for Matthew’s quotation. Jesus is the perfectly obedient Son of God—so fully identifying with God’s people that his life mirrors theirs. As Israel once went down to Egypt, so he went down to Egypt. As Israel was called out, so he was called out. Where Israel failed, Jesus succeeded; where Israel rebelled, Jesus obeyed. And he obeyed for you! When the time had fully come, God sent his beloved Son to be born in Bethlehem, to live as the obedient child you were meant to be, to die on the cross, and to rise again so you could be brought into God’s family. He loved you so much that he poured out his Spirit into your heart so you can cry, “Father!” and know that the Almighty delights to hear you, protect you, bless you, and save you. Even though you have been a rebellious child, God’s grace is greater than your guilt. His love at the manger and the cross is more than enough to bring peace on earth and good will to men. Prayer: Father, thank you for fulfilling your Word by calling your Son out of Egypt, so that I am your own dear child. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Holiday streets can sparkle while hearts feel heavy. We name that tension without flinching, tracing how joy and grief often share the same story—from the wonder of Jesus' birth to the tears of families scarred by Herod's violence. That honest frame sets the stage for a deeper exploration of shalom, the kind of peace that means wholeness when life is anything but simple.We walk through the story of the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 4, who welcomed Elisha, received an unasked-for promise, and then endured devastating loss. Her words—“It is well”—weren't denial; they were a hard-won declaration that God's presence holds when explanations don't. She brings her anguish straight to the man of God, speaks her disappointment without filters, and refuses to let go. That pairing of lament and stubborn hope offers a roadmap for anyone carrying unanswered prayers, empty chairs at the table, or dreams that still feel out of reach.Together we lean into a faith that doesn't pretend, a hope that faces reality, and a peace that isn't fragile. Whether you're celebrating, grieving, or doing both at once, you'll find language for honest prayer and a blessing to rest in the heart of Jehovah Shalom. If this conversation strengthens you, share it with someone who needs steadiness today, subscribe for more reflections, and leave a review so others can find their way to this space of hope.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251230dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” Matthew 2:14-15 Out of Egypt The words in our Bible reading today show that even as a baby, Jesus was already fulfilling prophecy and establishing his credentials as the promised Savior. When King Herod sought to murder the Christ child, God sent the holy family fleeing to Egypt. Seven hundred years earlier, Hosea had foretold that God’s Son would go there and return—and now Jesus, cradled in his mother’s arms, was living out that prophecy. To understand this fulfillment, though, we must recall Israel’s story. Over three thousand years ago, God adopted a nation of slaves and called them his son. He brought Israel out of Egypt, led them through the wilderness, and gave them a new home in Canaan. But Israel did not always return their Father’s love. The people he rescued turned to false gods and sacrificed to idols. Through prophets like Hosea, God warned his disobedient children what would happen if they refused to repent. They deserved punishment for their idolatry. Yet God could not stop loving his son. That is the backdrop for Matthew’s quotation. Jesus is the perfectly obedient Son of God—so fully identifying with God’s people that his life mirrors theirs. As Israel once went down to Egypt, so he went down to Egypt. As Israel was called out, so he was called out. Where Israel failed, Jesus succeeded; where Israel rebelled, Jesus obeyed. And he obeyed for you! When the time had fully come, God sent his beloved Son to be born in Bethlehem, to live as the obedient child you were meant to be, to die on the cross, and to rise again so you could be brought into God’s family. He loved you so much that he poured out his Spirit into your heart so you can cry, “Father!” and know that the Almighty delights to hear you, protect you, bless you, and save you. Even though you have been a rebellious child, God’s grace is greater than your guilt. His love at the manger and the cross is more than enough to bring peace on earth and good will to men. Prayer: Father, thank you for fulfilling your Word by calling your Son out of Egypt, so that I am your own dear child. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Today is the Feast Day of the Holy Innocents, those first martyrs at the hand of Herod for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. The presence of Christ in the world illumines the darkness, we say. It causes light to shine in our darkness, which raises to the surface all hidden darkness. It rises to the surface that Christ might heal. The love of God is a refiner's fire, as the prophet Malachi said. It brings the impurities to the surface by its heat, so that the refiner scrapes it away and the precious metal is purified. The fire of the love of God either consumes or it purifies. It consumed Herod. It purified Isaiah (from Isaiah 6). Whether it consumes or purifies us is utterly dependent on how we respond to what Christ reveals to us out of His great love for us.

How could one small baby threaten a king? This week, Peter Walsh and John Kennedy read about the wise men, Herod, and the baby who changed their lives. What can we learn from Jesus' humble beginnings, how do scholars try to explain the Christmas star, and how does the beginning of Jesus' life foreshadow the end of it?Questions for Further Discussion:Themes and ApplicationPeter and John describe the story of the Magi as subversive and radical, not merely sweet or sentimental. What makes this story politically and spiritually disruptive rather than cozy or nostalgic?The Magi are Gentiles who recognize Jesus before many of his own people do. Why might Matthew highlight outsiders as the first to honor Jesus, and what does this suggest about who “belongs” in God's story?Geography is described as theology. Bethlehem, Nazareth, Egypt, Jerusalem. How does place matter in this story, and what do these locations communicate about power, humility, and God's purposes?Personal ReflectionThe Magi are attentive both to external signs (the star) and internal guidance (dreams). In your own life, which is easier for you to notice: outer signs or inner promptings? Why?The phrase “they were overwhelmed with joy” stands out in a violent and fearful context. What does joy look like when the world is still dangerous or unjust?The Magi literally change direction, returning home “by another road.” Have you ever experienced an encounter with God that sent you back into your life changed, even subtly?Broader Spiritual ConsiderationsThis story sets empire and kingdom in contrast. How does Matthew challenge conventional ideas of power, authority, and success?The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh echo kingship, worship, and burial. How does holding Christmas and the cross together deepen or complicate Christian faith?Epiphany is about revelation. What does this story suggest about where and how God chooses to be revealed in the world today?Want to have your question or comment featured on the podcast? Leave a voicemail on our Rev'd Up hotline! Call (203) 442-5002.Learn more about St. Mark's at https://www.stmarksnewcanaan.org

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251229dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt. Matthew 2:13-14 God’s Purpose in Herod’s Fear One moment, the baby Jesus had magi laying treasures at his feet; the next, Joseph was taking him into the night and headed for Egypt. The Light of the world had come, but the darkness fought back. You see, the Magi had first come to Jerusalem and told King Herod that they were looking for the King of the Jews. Herod viewed the baby as a threat, and he didn’t like that. He had already killed three of his sons, his favorite wife, his mother-in-law, his uncle, some cousins, and the high priest for being threats to his crown. Now he targeted a baby. But God saved his Son from an early death because the plan of salvation required that he die on the cross when the time had fully come. He fled as a child so that he could later say, “It is finished” (John 19:30). The world did not change the night Jesus was born, but everything changed the morning he walked out of the tomb. The power of Jesus’ resurrection is already removing the darkness, and he will completely remove it on the Last Day. When evil touches your life, remember it also touched him. The child who fled Herod is the Savior who was “despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering and familiar with pain” (Isaiah 53:3). At Christmas, God gifts you his Son, Jesus. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for stepping into this dark world so that you can call me out of it and into your wonderful light. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Full Text of Readings [DAY TITLE] The Saint of the day is Holy Innocents The Story of the Holy Innocents Herod “the Great,” king of Judea, was unpopular with his people because of his connections with the Romans and his religious indifference. Hence he was insecure and fearful of any threat to his throne. He was a master politician and a tyrant capable of extreme brutality. He killed his wife, his brother, and his sister's two husbands, to name only a few. Matthew 2:1-18 tells this story: Herod was “greatly troubled” when astrologers from the east came asking the whereabouts of “the newborn king of the Jews,” whose star they had seen. They were told that the Jewish Scriptures named Bethlehem as the place where the Messiah would be born. Herod cunningly told them to report back to him so that he could also “do him homage.” They found Jesus, offered him their gifts, and warned by an angel, avoided Herod on their way home. Jesus escaped to Egypt. Herod became furious and “ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under.” The horror of the massacre and the devastation of the mothers and fathers led Matthew to quote Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children…” (Matthew 2:18). Rachel was the wife of Jacob (Israel). She is pictured as weeping at the place where the Israelites were herded together by the conquering Assyrians for their march into captivity. Reflection The Holy Innocents are few in comparison to the genocide and abortion of our day. But even if there had been only one, we recognize the greatest treasure God put on the earth—a human person, destined for eternity, and graced by Jesus' death and resurrection.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Friends of the Rosary,Today, December 29, the fifth day of Christmas, the Church commemorates the Massacre of the Innocents by King Herod, the male children under two years old who were executed in Bethlehem as told in Matthew 2:16.Upon hearing of the birth of the King of the Jews, a threat to his murderous rule and the fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy, Herod, King of Judea, ordered the execution of all the male children in Bethlehem.These children are considered martyrs, Saints of God, by the Church.The feast has been celebrated since before the end of the fifth century.And as we continue Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Christ and yet acknowledge the great suffering that surrounded His earthly life. The devil, his fallen angels, and minions (King Herod, Roman Emperor... and many of today's leaders) did (and continue doing) everything they could to try to destroy God's perfect plan of salvation.They stirred up hatred, jealousy, paranoia, and every other vile sin imaginable in an attempt to destroy our Lord's mission. Their attack began at the time of Jesus' birth and continued during his public ministry.In the end, Jesus' apparent defeat turned into His glorious triumph. So also with these innocent children. God has transformed their cruel and tragic deaths, and they will forever be honored in Heaven.Today, it's also the Optional Memorial of St. Thomas Becket (1118-1170), the Archbishop of Canterbury, who was murdered in his Cathedral by agents of King Henry II of England.Ave MariaCome, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠December 29, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Herod has all the king's horses and all the king's men. Joseph has a donkey. Yet Joseph manages to beat Herod the Great. He does not rely on his own strength, wisdom, or abilities, but on God. Joseph is a great father because he is a great son!

Mark 6 takes us to Nazareth where Jesus is amazed, but not in a good way. Jesus teaches his disciples and us to depend on him, not on the security we find in the world. Finally, we'll look at Herod's foolish promise that cost John the Baptist his life.Look for additional resources, including PDFs for discussion and additional study, on Amberalbeeswenson.org.

Read OnlineWhen the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. Matthew 2:13–14Today we honor and ponder the family life of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. The love within their home exceeded that of any other household, and the love within their family poured forth upon their extended family and wider community. Scripture gives us limited details about the life of the Holy Family. What we do know is that from the very beginning, they suffered through enormous challenges.Mary's pregnancy was the first challenge they faced. She conceived the Christ Child before she and Joseph lived together. Though she knew how she conceived the Son of God, Joseph did not understand until the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. We can imagine that relatives and members of the community expressed their disapproval, given that the angel of the Lord did not reveal the truth to everyone.Jesus was born far away from their home, in the little town of Bethlehem, in a cave, where animals dwelt. Humble shepherds were their first guests, and the magi from the East soon followed. Within a year or two after Jesus' birth, this family had to uproot from their home and flee to Egypt, find accommodations, and earn a living because Herod sought to kill the child Jesus.After Herod's death, Joseph was instructed in two subsequent dreams that he could return to Israel and was to move his family to the small and unremarkable village of Nazareth. Though Nazareth was not held in high esteem, it was within this simple setting that Jesus was raised and learned the virtues of hard work, obedience, and humility. Nazareth, though overlooked by the world, became the sacred ground where the Savior of the world was prepared for His mission. Finally, given that Saint Joseph is not mentioned during the time that Jesus exercised His public ministry, it is commonly believed that Jesus and His mother experienced the human sorrow of Joseph's earthly death.Despite the hardships the Holy Family endured, the love in their home overshadowed every challenge, making their family life a source of the utmost consolation and joy. Amidst the trials they faced, the Holy Family found joy, not in worldly comforts, but in their deep union with God and with each other. Their home was a sanctuary of love, prayer, and mutual support, where God's presence was always felt. How fascinating it will be one day, in Heaven, if God reveals to us the details about the earthly and hidden life of the Holy Family. Though the angels witnessed their lives as they unfolded in time, we can hope and imagine that God, in His goodness, will share these mysteries with the saints, revealing the true beauty of the Holy Family's earthly life together. Their conversations, interactions, charity, prayer, fun, work, and all that made up their family life will be a source of eternal admiration and gratitude.Reflect today on the Holy Family. Ask God to give you insight into their lives together. As you do, use any insights as a source of inspiration for your own life and relationships with those closest to you. Though we will all fall short of the charity that permeated the home of the Holy Family, we can work to imitate them by allowing God to increase our charity toward one another. Through daily prayer, acts of sacrifice, and a commitment to love one another, we can create a family life that reflects the holiness and unity of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, Your family life was holy beyond imagination. In your daily interactions, Your love was manifest and inspiring to each other and to Your relatives and friends. Please draw me into Your family life and teach me to love those in my family so that we will become a stronger community of love. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Angelica Kauffmann, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

This Christmas, we're delighted to bring back one of our most beloved conversations with Enneagram Three, pastor, and author AJ Sherrill. In this replay, AJ joins me to revisit the Nativity story—not as the sentimental tale we often breeze past each year, but as a rich, multilayered narrative pulsing with mystery, courage, vulnerability, and divine surprise. AJ shares his own journey into spiritual direction, what it's teaching him about listening, presence, and compassion, and how the Enneagram continues to shape his inner world. We explore why the season invites us to slow down, pay attention, and resist the frantic pace that so easily numbs our capacity for wonder. Together, we dig beneath the familiar Christmas imagery to uncover the often-misunderstood characters who surround the manger—the homeowner who offered radical hospitality, Zechariah rediscovering awe through silence, and even Herod, whose shadow side has more to teach us than we might expect. Their stories echo our own desires, fears, and growth edges in striking ways. We also have some fun speculating about the Enneagram archetypes present in the Christmas narrative—Mary, Joseph, John the Baptist, and others—and how their unique postures toward God can inspire our own transformation. This episode is thoughtful, illuminating, and sprinkled with the kind of laughter and honesty that always seems to show up when AJ is with us. A perfect listen for Christmas Day. Settle in, take a breath, and join us as we rediscover the story beneath the story—and the God who meets us there.