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Welcome to the Anglican Parish of St Andrews Wimbledon where I serve as the vicar
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The Christmas story brings about a huge range of responses. Think of the surprise for the unsuspecting couple Mary and Joseph
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The fear turned to wonder for the shepherds. The reverent joy of the wise men
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But there's one response that hangs like a brooding storm cloud over the horizon
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When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed and all Jerusalem with him
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Now why was Herod disturbed? The wise men had said that this one was born to be king of the Jews
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So the guy who had king in his title was naturally concerned
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It's true, isn't it, for powerful people. They're always worried. There's a threat of being paranoid
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Is he a threat to me? it's worth reflecting for each of us though how do we respond to this one who has been born
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there's a curious detail after the magi had met jesus never again is herod referred to as king
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in the story because once you've met the true king all other earthly powers get put into perspective
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christians believe at christmas jesus christ is god come in the flesh and so of course all our
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little crowns and kingdoms have to be put into that perspective. I wonder what about you? What
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about me this Christmas? How do we respond to the events that we hear? Joy? Wonder? Maybe we too
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might be disturbed if he's a threat to us and our kingdoms
