While the Christmas Story sparks joy and gladness, it took place in a time of darkness and evil. That is, after all, the whole reasons Jesus needed to be born into the world in the first place. This evil is embodied in the character of Herod, the king at the time of Jesus' birth. Although at first his intentions appeared innocent enough, under the surface lurked jealousy and hatred. In him we see a reflection of our own hidden evils, evils that we need to grapple with if the Lord is to be born into our lives.