Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and his gospel is peace
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother
And in his name, all oppression shall cease (Hymn: O Holy Night)
The Christmas story brings to light the name of Herod the Great, who is said to have ruled Judea at the time when Jesus was born.
Here is a person who suffered from Big Man syndrome the autocratic and often totalitarian rule of countries by a single person. Appointed King of Judea by the Roman Senate, he cultivated the favor of the wealthy in both Rome and Judea.
His intended legacy was the building of the seaside resort of Caesaria, the fortress of Masada, and rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. However, history has not called him Herod the Great because he made Israel great again! His greatness was built on his reputation for great cruelty to anyone who opposed him.
At Christmas we remember that Jesuss family fled as refugees because Herod was hunting for Jesus, the saviour who threatened his claim to rule the people of God.
This Big Man syndrome is not unique to the time of Jesus. Every age has leaders who seek greatness by enforcing their view of life on a population and denigrating and persecuting anyone who would challenge their ambition. Christmas is a healthy reminder to look away from the billionaires who seek political power and prominence through their self-aggrandizing greatness.
Instead let us remember the Godly greatness that is found in the humble obedience of a pregnant unwed mother like Mary, and the caring commitment of a carpenter like Joseph towards his refugee baby Jesus. Let us walk in the footsteps of such greatness by caring for the marginalized poor, and the homeless refugee, and the defenceless children.
May God bless us all with kindness and compassion this Christmas.
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