Matthew 2:1-12
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, magi from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star in the east and have come to pay him homage.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him, 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it has been written by the prophet:
6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah,
for from you shall come a ruler
who is to shepherd my people Israel.’ ”
7 Then Herod secretly called for the magi and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” 9 When they had heard the king, they set out, and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen in the east, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
Sunday, December 21 – Week of Love
Think about the nativity scenes we put up as decorations this time of year. They depict the Holy Family surrounded by all the various characters within the Nativity Story. However, we must remember the Wise Men came to visit the Christ Child long after they left the temporary shelter of the stable. However, their arrival is a foreshadowing of the real reason Christ was born into the world.
Foreign dignitaries visited other Kingdoms when an heir was born. It was a sign of respect toward the rulers of the lands. However, we have no record of any foreign power that sent the Wise Men, Magi, or Astrologers, depending on the translation. Instead, we just know that they came from the “East” and brought lavish gifts fit for a King. Their arrival confused King Herod, but the travelers persisted in their journey to find the baby they searched for. It was the beginning of the Kingdom of God being opened to people of ALL nations.
To remember all the various characters who are included in the stories of Christ’s birth is to look beyond a mere Nativity Scene. Instead, we remember the unlikely and even wide invitation to witness Emmanuel being born to us.
Prayer: God of all nations, thank you for your incredible love for all people. Amen.
