1. Make space for Jesus in your life. 2. The people of Bethlehem did not. 3. They suffered the loss of their young children.

The first 2 points came to me while listening to The Nativity by Martin Luther. The third point came to me while writing this. I usually don't even remember what the sermon was about.

I haven't heard anyone frame this as a punishment from God. I used to only think "Herod's just being a ruthless king."