We all know the stories of the angels, shepherds and wise men celebrating the First Christmas with Mary, Joseph and Christ.

But do you recall … who missed the First Christmas?

After all the years waiting and hearing of prophesies about Christ’s birth … the following still missed that First Christmas.

THE INN KEEPER
Speaking of Mary it says; “And she brought forth her first born son and wrapped Him in swaddling cloth and laid Him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7) The inn keeper missed Christmas.  He was face-to-face with a young pregnant woman and husband ready to give birth to the Son of God. He shut the door. He had a busy Inn to care for. Christmas was right in front of him, but he missed it.

THE KING
Unlike the Inn Keeper, King Herod knew who Jesus was and what He would become.

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. (Matthew 2:1-3)

Why was King Herod “troubled”?

He was the King of the Jews.  There was no room for two kings in Jerusalem.  He was threatened. That First Christmas Eve King Herod remained in his mansion plotting Jesus’ death.  The birth place of the new “King of the Jews” was only a short walk away.

THE SANHEDRIN
The chief priests, scribes, and wise men were the religious leaders at the time. They obeyed “the Law.” They knew all the scriptures. They went to church every week. That’s why King Herod sent for them –  “Then Herod when he had privly called the wise men and inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared and he sent them to Bethlehem…” (Matthew 2:7) They quoted Micah 5:2 to King Herod. The Sanhedrin knew about Jesus- who He was and the impact he would have on the world. They, like King Herod, never took the short 3 or 4 mile walk to Bethlehem. Having the Messiah was no big deal to them. They were already righteous –All is well in Zion.

Look at your own life.
Are you going to miss this Christmas?

The Nativity is one of my favorite Christmas videos. Press David Bowman’s newest piece of art “Love” to watch this short video.

CHALLENGE

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