LEARNING DAILY

 

Matthew 2:12, Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod.  About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking “Where is the newborn king of the Jews?  We have seen His star as it arose, and we have come to worship Him.

 

Herod was deeply disturbed by their question, as was all of Jerusalem.  He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of the religious law.  “Where did the prophets say the Messiah would be born?” he asked them.

 

“In Bethlehem, “they said, “for this is what the prophets wrote:

 

‘O Bethlehem of Judah, you are a lowly village in Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’”

 

Then Herod sent a private message to the wise men, asking them to come see him.  At this meeting he learned the exact time when they first saw the star.  Then he told them, Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child.  And when you find Him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship Him, too!”

 

After this interview the wise men went their way.  Once again, the star appeared to them, guiding them to Bethlehem.  It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was.  When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!  They entered the house where the child and His mother, Mary, were, and they fell and worshipped Him.  Then they opened their treasure chests and gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  But when it came time to leave, they went home another way, because God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.  (New Living Translation)

 

These men were probably members of an educated religious class from the region of what is now known as Iran.  Because of the time the star first appeared to them, it is thought the child was around two years old when they found Him.  The importance of the wise men’s visit is that Jesus is worthy of royal honor from all mankind.  It is also significant showing that Gentiles as well as Jews are included in God’s redemptive plan.  As the saying goes, “Wise men still seek Jesus!” 

 

From my family to all of you and your family may this be a very Merry Christmas. Even in these difficult times enjoy family and celebrate the birth of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ!

 

 

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