“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “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.” 3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: 6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” 9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 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, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.” - Matthew 2:1-12
It’s our last Advent devotional of 2020! Less than a day until Christmas! Today we are reading about the wise men visiting Jesus. The past two days we’ve gotten our verses and stories from Luke, but today we’re getting them from Matthew. We are introduced to the setting, Bethlehem during the rule of Herod. Magi, or the wise men, were curious about the star that proclaimed the birth of Jesus. When they questioned Herod, he was concerned about this new king. King Heord informed the wise men to go visit Jesus so that he could go visit him soon as well. The wise men were not aware at the time that Herod’s intentions were not positive. They travelled to Bethlehem, following the star, and offered Mary and Jesus three valuable gifts- gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Then they were cautioned not to go back to Herod, and that’s where there was some foreshadowing for what would happen soon.
The Magi graciously offered Jesus the gifts. A big part of Christmas is giving gifts. We give people who we love gifts, with gracious hearts. Not only should we lovingly give gifts, we should also gratefully accept them and remember those who were kind enough to give us gifts.
Prayer
Dear God, Tomorrow is the birthday of Your son. Thousands of years ago the world was blessed in the form of a little baby lying in a manger. Just as the Maji offered great gifts, so did you. Thank you. Amen.
Hozzászólások