Herod and the Magi. These characters from the Nativity Story (in Matthew 2) stand on opposite ends of a spectrum of responses to the news of Jesus. Herod, characterized by suspicion, mistrust, and fear of losing his sense of control and power, responds in hatred and violence. The Magi, characterized by a wide-eyed seeker's spirit, driven by faith, "rejoiced exceedingly with great joy." Where are we located on that spectrum? Do we follow God with wide-eyed anticipation of the joy God has set before us, or are we intent in guarding our sense of "our kingdom," our plans, our schedule, our finances, our life?