Herod understood part of the meaning of Christmas. He understood that Jesus' life and birth were an immediate and a long-term threat to his kingship. Herod understood and believed what Mary prophesied in relation to Jesus' birth. In her "Magnificat," she proclaimed: "He (the Lord) has deposed the mighty from their thrones and raised the lowly to high places. The hungry He has given every good thing, while the rich He has sent empty away" (Lk 1:52-53). In addition, Herod anticipated another prophecy relating to Jesus. Even before Simeon got the words out, Herod knew Jesus was a "Sign of contradiction" (Lk 2:34, our transl.).

Do you understand the meaning of Christmas as well or better than Herod did? Do you understand that Christ and Christmas are a revolutionary threat against worldly economic and political powers? Do you understand how people living the true meaning of Christmas could put Planned Parenthood out of business? Thus, the atrocities of Herod and Planned Parenthood should come as no surprise. Life, Christ, Christmas, and love are formidable, ultimately invincible threats to a "culture of death." May our Christmas be so Christ-like as to warrant persecution.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Edward J. Gratsch, June 20, 1996

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 26, 1996