Hello, Cruel World

The pastor got ahead of the story last Sunday. He'd begun a series of talks constituent to Advent and had invited some first graders to share in lighting a candle each week prior to the preaching. There were four candles to be lit, the first three being representative of prophesy, faith, and amusement. This day's, the last, was worship as illustrated by the sojourn of the magi.

Now that always reminds me of a legend foisted upon us by my parents. My younger brother once got cute referring to the Three Wise Guys and that was reprised year after year; you heard it once, you heard it all... ho, ho, ho for the company. (The company always got treated better than the children!) The pastor didn't go there - he went another way. You'll see.

Herod, when informed of the birth of Jesus, had a conniption. In a jealous rage he slew the innocents. More than disfunctional; downright mean. Felt threatened, in the vernacular. Thus:

“The heart is more deceitful than all else and
is desperately sick; who can understand it?"

He pronounced Herod to be macabre. Only he said, "Maacobbray." I turned to my French companion and chuckled. She didn't laugh, nor flinch. I did not disturb her. I love her.

Yes, macabre villiany indeed.
His jealosy exacting vengeance.

His violence misdirected.
His actions futile.

An angel visited the other kings... return another way.

You can look it up.