Matthew 2: 1-12
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ child was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:
‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judea, are by no means least among the rulers of Judea; for out of you will come a ruler who will be shepherd of my people Israel.'”
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
A Thought
Lots of questions come to my mind concerning these passages: Who are these Magi? Were they Jews? Were they of different beliefs? Did they know the scriptures concerning the Christ child? Why were they overjoyed? Why were Herod and the people disturbed? Why did Herod call them secretly? Did the star first lead them to Jerusalem? Then reappear and lead them to the child? Why did they bring gifts with them? Were their lives changed when they encountered the child?
Our Prayer
Father thank you that you were able to accomplish all that was foretold by the prophets concerning our Savior. Help us to accept by faith all that was completed through the birth, death, and resurrection of your son, Jesus Christ. Help us to be made free, overjoyed and for our lives to be changed. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
