When Heaven Came Down - December 19 Devotion

When Darkness Strikes

? Matthew 2:16 (CSB)
“Then Herod, when he realized that he had been outwitted by the wise men, flew into a rage.
He gave orders to massacre all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under…”

? Devotional Thought:
This is the darkest part of the Christmas story.
Herod’s rage turned into something horrifying.
He ordered the death of every baby boy in Bethlehem, trying to destroy Jesus.
It’s hard to imagine.
It doesn’t fit in with soft lights and silent nights.
But it reminds us: Jesus came into a violent, broken world—because we needed rescuing.
We don’t worship a Savior who ignores pain.
We worship a Savior who steps into it.
Christmas doesn’t deny evil. It declares that evil will not win.

? Talk About It:
How does this part of the story make you feel?
Why is it important to remember that Jesus came into a world full of pain?
What hope does His birth bring, even in the darkest moments?

?️ Tradition Tie-In: Candle of Comfort
Tonight, light a candle in silence. Reflect on those who are grieving this Christmas—those who’ve lost loved ones or are struggling.
Pray as a family that the light of Jesus would bring hope to the hurting.

? Closing Prayer:
Jesus,
You came into a world filled with cruelty and chaos.
Thank You for being a Savior who understands our pain.
Shine Your light into the darkest corners of this world—and our hearts.
Bring comfort to the broken this Christmas.
Amen.