When Heaven Came Down - December 16 Devotion

The Threat in the Palace

? Matthew 2:1–3 (CSB)
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star at its rising and have come to worship Him.’
When King Herod heard this, he was deeply disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.”

? Devotional Thought:
Not everyone was excited about Jesus’ birth.
The wise men came looking for a King to worship.
But Herod—who called himself “King of the Jews”—felt threatened.
He didn’t want to share power.
He didn’t want to surrender control.
He didn’t want Jesus to rule—he wanted to rule.
The same battle that raged in Herod’s heart often rages in ours:
Who will sit on the throne of our lives—Jesus, or us?
Herod shows us that Christmas isn’t just a peaceful nativity scene—it’s a clash between heaven’s King and the kingdoms of men.

? Talk About It:
Why was Herod so upset about Jesus being born?
Why do people today still resist Jesus’ authority?
Is there an area of your life where Jesus is calling you to surrender control?

? Tradition Tie-In: Build Two Thrones
Use chairs or boxes to create two “thrones” in your living room. Label one “Jesus” and the other “Me.” Ask: “Who sits on the throne in your heart?”
Pray together, asking God to help your family give Him full authority.

? Closing Prayer:
Jesus,
You are the true King.
Help us not to be like Herod—clinging to control and resisting Your rule.
Give us hearts that worship You, not ourselves.
May our home honor Your name above every other.
Amen.