Desperate Hope

In Old Testament times, it was common practice by some religions to offer their babies to their idol gods. Although they failed to heed God's commands, Israel also practiced this heathen ritual. Even so, when King Herod ordered the slaughtering of babies in Bethlehem, it was his HOPE, a DESPERATE one no less, that his kingdom would not be overthrown by Jesus. Moreover, his 'over-the-top' display of wickedness and massive exercise of cruelty were no match to halt the inevitable gift of God to the world. Herod's kingdom, built on selfishness and embraced in wickedness, would prove futile in its brutality. God was introducing 'A New HOPE' DESPERATELY desired in a world ruled by tyrants.