DAY 20 The World Hated Him First

 “Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men.” (Matthew 2:16)

The persecution of Christians around the world is not usually a topic we bring up during the advent season.  We want to have a “holly jolly Christmas” and persecution does not fit into our desire for warm fuzzy feelings.  The fact remains that in many places around the world Christians are persecuted.  Many are forbidden or highly restricted in how they can even celebrate the birth of our Savior.  It is ironic, but it makes sense too, when we stop to think about the birth narrative of Jesus.  King Herod, out of jealously and fear for his own power, attempted to kill Jesus.  Jesus said in John 15:18, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.”  Indeed, the world did hate our Savior first and likewise for almost 2,000 has hated and persecuted his followers in many corners of the world.  Take a moment to thank Lord if you live in a place where you have the freedom to live out your faith in Christ.  Also pray for our brothers and sisters who are persecuted through out the world for their faith.  The middle east is one area of the world where Christians are highly persecuted.  Coptic Christians in Egypt are the largest remaining Christian community in the middle east.  The video attached here is a group of Coptic Christians singing a Christmas carol in their language with English subtitles.

Today the virgin gives birth to the Utmost in Essence

And the earth brings the manger closer to the Unapproachable One

Angels along with shepherds glorify

And the Magi with the star transverse the path

Because for our sake a Son was born

Lord Everlasting

The virgin birth

And spiritual contractions

Are amazing wonders

Like prophetic news