No sooner was Jesus born onto this earth than the devil was on the move to rob mankind of the greatest gift ever bestowed.
He had a willing instrument in the person of King Herod.
We all know the story of how he lied to the Wise Men who arrived in Jerusalem looking for the Royal baby. Naturally they thought that if there was to be king of the Jews he would be found in the palace of the nation's capital.
Not so. He was down the road about 8 miles in a stable in Bethlehem. But having lied to the wise men saying that he too wanted to be part of the entourage to worship Christ, Herod then went on a murderous rampage to eliminate every baby boy in the vicinity of South Judea.
Who knows how many children died in the massacre.
Horrific though it was, Herod's treachery did not thwart the purposes of God from being unfolded on the earth through His Son.
Nor will the attacks in Paris and in San Bernadino by the mad jihadists put out the bright light of the Gospel nor quench the message of the love of God this Christmas 2015.
Carols will still be sung, manger scenes erected, pilgrimages made, sermons preached, gifts given, candles lit, trees decorated and we will know THAT ALL IS STILL WELL.
It will be a MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Jubilate.
Ian
