In winter there are few things as frightening as losing control of your vehicle, especially if it begins to spin out and slide uncontrollably towards an unmovable object. Unless you have been to “skid school,” it seems that whatever you do with the steering wheel, brake or accelerator is either useless or makes things worse. If you are fortunate, you only wind up in a ditch without any major damage.
The reason losing control is so terrifying is because it seems that whatever you do, it makes little or no difference. That’s why we so often do everything in our power to stay in control.
This was Herod’s plan as well when he heard that there might be a rival to his and his heir’s position as ruler. Because of his fear, his plan became, “Do all I can to stay in control, regardless of the cost.” In the end, it actually hindered what he was trying to achieve.
This can become our problem as well when we attempt to keep total control of all aspects of our lives. If we are attempting to achieve a full life, do our attempts to keep control hinder the Christ child’s presence in our lives? Perhaps ironically, finding fullness in Christ actually means allowing ourselves to let go of control.
May I find the strength to give up control. Amen. —