BAH HUMBUG! It seems like Christmas has always had that kind of effect on some people.

King Herod was a “Grinch”. King Herod was King of the land of Israel in the day when Jesus was born.

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled —Matthew 2:1-3 ESV

So why would a successful, wealthy, powerful king be so upset with a baby born in Bethlehem? So upset that he did this

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 ESV

The Christ child was a threat to that his power and position. It is a heart problem. Herod’s heart was too small for anyone other than himself to rule in his life. The bible speaks about our hearts

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? —Jeremiah 17:9 ESV

And that’s why so many today reject Christ, there’s no room in their hearts for a “new king”. But God offers us a remedy for our fleshly, hard hearts

And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. —Ezekiel 36:26 ESV

The old Christmas Carols tell of the Coming of a King. Those song have words like … “Christ the King”; “King of Angels”; “God and sinners reconciled.” The message of Jesus was delivered to common men, not just kings!

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. —Luke 2:9-11 ESV

Christmas Carols shout out that Jesus is the Son of God born to be King of our lives… and Jesus Came to Change Hearts. It reflects the truth here

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. —Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV

A lady was asked to select carols suitable for a community Christmas-tree lighting. She sought the help of her pastor. But, when she scanned the list he had selected, she was dismayed. In frustration she cried “But they’re all so theological.” The pastor replied “Yes, Yes, they are, aren’t they?”

Secular Christmas would never change the hearts of people. It’s only the story of a changed heart that makes any difference in this world. I’m reminded of Jesus words

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. —Matthew 5:8 ESV

Brian Welch was the lead guitarist for a heavy metal group called Korn for many years.

In 2005, Brian “Head” Welch announced that he had “chosen the Lord Jesus Christ as his savior, and would be dedicating his musical pursuits to that end”

Brian Welch today demonstrates the fruit of being a changed man. He is evidence of the truth found in Ezekiel

And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. —Ezekiel 36:26 ESV

A changed heart… Herod…he didn’t change… he died and the dogs lapped up his blood. Today “Head” is a foster parent to 212 Indian children, evidence of a chnaged heaet.

Only God can grow a heart three sizes in one day. Only God can change your heart. Maybe we all can approach this Christmas with different hearts.