Scripture

After Jesus had been born at Bethlehem in Judea during the reign of King Herod, some wise men came to Jerusalem from the east. ‘Where is the infant king of the Jews?’ they asked. ‘We saw his star as it rose and have come to do him homage.’ When King Herod heard this he was perturbed, and so was the whole of Jerusalem.

Observation

Jesus is always a threat to established power structures. Herod was perturbed by the thought of someone else being King of the Jews, but all governments seem to be threatened by Jesus call to love others, to be non-violent and to care for the poor and marginalised in society. We who have more than we need are always discomforted by the call to share with those who do not.

Application

Anyone who has more than they need should share with those who do not have enough. I am definitely in that category and need to do better at sharing and helping others.

Prayer

Lord, help me to worry less about my own comfort and do more to help those who need it. Help me to see you in everyone I meet and to remember that what I have is by your grace rather than my merit.