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Nativity’s message to humanity is peace. Yet, one wonders if it was accepted by everybody. Let us travel through time: toward Bethlehem where the manger received the “Child”.
Ages ago, humanity longed to retrieve its lost peace. So, Christ was born. Indeed, Christ came with the message of peace to everybody. Peace is inseparable from love: the more the love, the more the peace amongst humans.
After Caesar Augustus had decreed that all people head toward their birth places to register, the holy Family headed to Bethlehem. Caesar wanted to count the population. St. Joseph belonged to the house and line of David. So, he headed from Nazareth, Galilee, to Bethlehem, Judea, with St. Mary. There, the time came for the baby to be born. Thus, St. Mary “wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” From thence, the message of peace was dispatched to all Creation. Yet, responses varied: for some people accepted it, while others did not.
Watching Shepherds
On that chilly night, a song came from heaven, “… and on earth peace…” The watching shepherds were the first to hear it; thus, the night became luminous, and the cold warmth! The message of peace was declared with Nativity. As we approach that place, we see the shepherds lighting fire to resist the rough weather: for they had to keep watch over their flocks. As they were doing so, a heavenly light gleamed and the angel of the Lord appeared to them. They were frightened, as they never saw such a thing beforehand. Neither did they hear of it. But, the angel reassured them, saying, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” He also gave them the sign, “You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
At that very moment, a song of peace resonated, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” It echoed in the whole universe. Then, the angels left. But the peace they conveyed lasted, for the shepherds headed toward the manger: “So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger”, after which they returned happily, glorifying God: for peace overwhelmed their hearts.
The Magi Are Coming
Now, our minds wander toward that spectacular star which called upon the Magi to see Nativity. The Magi are the wise men of the East, namely, Persia. “Magi” is the plural of “magus”. They were Zoroastrians. They were preoccupied with astrology. Owing to their knowledge and wisdom, they were proclaimed priests and princess and were revered! They had special importance in the court, for they believed that the movement of the stars and planets reflected that of history, which is why they consulted them in running the state’s affairs.
Accordingly, the message of “peace” was conveyed to them through that wondrous star which denoted the birth of a great king. No sooner had they seen it, than they followed it, disregarding the danger of the trip: for traveling was not easy at that time. We follow them until they find the Child whom the star guided them to. They gave him presents: gold, myrrh, and frankincense. Being men of peace, God did not want them to return to the evil which Herod embodied. So, they were told not to take the same route. Thus, they took another path and returned to their fatherland, carrying the message of peace.
The King Rejects
The message of peace was conveyed to Herod by the Magi. The star led them to Jerusalem where it disappeared for a divine wisdom. The message of peace was declared to everybody. But Herod did not accept it, and decided to kill the “Peace”. He allowed the Magi to resume their trip. Yet, he was so cunning as to tell them, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” At that time, he was scheming to kill Christ, which is why he started to look for him. He also asked the priests and scribes about the place of the king who was born according to the prophecies. So, they told him it was Bethlehem, Judea.
In vain Herod awaited the Magi’s return. So, he was infuriated. He ordered his sentries to kill all the boys of Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, thus, causing a lot of pain to their mothers. We read, “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” Thus, innocence was killed, and the blood of the first martyrs was shed for Christ. War was waged against peace!
Peace troubled Herod for he was egoistic. He refused to leave the kingdom for anybody else. He lost peace, which made his life and others’ miserable. Herod was an Adomite. He belonged to the line of Esau. He was appointed by Caesar proconsul of Galilee. Thus, he became the first foreign king on Judea during the Roman era.
Herod was quite cruel. He suspected everybody including his family. Losing his throne was the thing he dreaded most, which made him kill many people lest they usurp it. He killed Hircanus, the grandfather of his most beloved wife, then killed her, three of his sons, and many of his friends, relatives, and assistants! He was a bloodthirsty man whose heart had no room for peace. Hence, his life was void of peace.
According to Josephus, Herod got terribly sick before his death due to his atrocities. He was plighted by colonic lesions, enlargement of feet, and difficulty in breathing. Also, he suffered from cramps, which made him unable to support himself. In vain he tried to have his ailments cured and life saved. So much so that he attempted suicide to get rid of his pains, but failed. How hard it is for man to be controlled by his ego, neglecting values and principles, depending on his power and authority, and deifying himself!
Escape from Evil
Evil forces conspired against peace, which is why heaven ordered escape. Thus, Egypt received and protected the holy Family that left Bethlehem late at night. They remained in Egypt until Herod died. Thus, it becomes clear that peace should eventually remain.
The message of peace which Christ presents us on Nativity is timeless. It is not bound by place, either: for it dwells in the hearts of peacemakers, despite the challenges it faces. Yet, peace remains for God is. Many happy returns! Stories will never end in Beautiful Egypt.
General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
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