All I Want for Christmas What the Leaders Wanted

delivered by

POLITICAL LEADERS

Caesar Augustus, Roman Emperor

What did Caesar Augustus
want for Christmas?

A fresh accounting of his
tax base in the region.

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree
that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.
(This was the first census that took place while
Quirinius was governor of Syria.)
And everyone went to their own town to register.
Luke 2:1-3 (NIV)

King Herod (Herod the Great)

…a schemer who took advantage of Roman political unrest to claw his way to the top. [about.com]

…prepared to commit any crime in order to gratify his unbounded ambition.
[wikipedia.com]

“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?
We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
Matthew 2:2 (NIV)

King Herod and the Magi

Matthew 2

What did King Herod want for Christmas?

To get rid of his rival – Jesus
Power

RELIGIOUS LEADERS

Many wanted to maintain the status quo

What did some religious leaders want for Christmas?

A Savior who did it their way rather than His way

Simeon, a righteous and devout man

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”
Luke 2:29-32 (NIV)

Anna, a prophetess
Nicodemus
Jairus
The Centurion

What did other religious leaders want for Christmas?

To give thanks to God

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Which leaders will you emulate this Christmas?