We cannot handle an uprising, even one so far off. This is how those people work. They claim innocence. They ask how a baby can be so threatening. As you know, it is not this child to be born that concerns me; it is that this people believe he is their Savior.  That he will lead them out of there bondage. What bondage? These people never had it so good!

We will allow for Caesar's census. I want you to station your men in the surrounding area. They are to keep the peace. They are to patrol the streets. I am not expecting any sign of rebellion, but I do not want to see them hope. I need you and your men to listen. Listen to see if there is any talk of a King of kings. Listen to hear if there is any whisper of a coming Messiah. Above all, keep track of the children. Know where they are. If you see a group of Jews hiding something, find out what it is. If you see a group of them doing something suspicious, stop them. Tell the inns to turn people away, and then arrest those who are on the streets. 

You do not need my permission to do what is required of you to keep us and our way of life safe. Tell me after it's over. I will see to it that you are rewarded. 

In Caesar's name,

Herod

The second Advent candle is lighted during the reading of Scripture.

Scripture Reading

Psalms 16:1-11 (NIV)

¹ Keep of me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge.

² I said to the Lord, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing."

³ As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight.

⁴ The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods. I will not pour out their libations of blood or take up their names on my lips.

⁵ Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure.

⁶ The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.

⁷ I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.

⁸ I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

⁹ Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure,

¹⁰ because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.

¹¹ You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Closing Prayer

God, be with those who are afraid; those who are afraid of losing, afraid of the dark, afraid of loss, afraid of change. Help us to make room for Your Son in our chaotic lives. The chaos is of our own creation. Help us to be open to the peace and presence that is Your Son. Amen.

Click here for more Youth Culture Lessons.