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MATTHEW 2 (ESV)

 ¹ Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, ² saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” ³ When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; ⁴ and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. ⁵ They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

⁶ “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

⁷ Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. ⁸ And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.”⁹ After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. ¹⁰ When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. ¹¹ And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. ¹² And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

REFLECTION

• Even though the nation of Israel waited for centuries for God’s anointed King to be born, Jesus’ birth, however, was not greeted with royal gladness by the nation and its leaders. Instead, there was intrigue and conflict. The political and religious establishment felt threatened by the coming of the Messiah. It was left to foreign leaders (the wise men from the east) to welcome the newborn King.
• The wise men knew Jesus as “the one who has been born king of the Jews”. They not only found Jesus, but worshiped him and witnessed to the entire city of Jerusalem concerning his birth (vv. 2-3).
• In what ways has your search for the Lord resulted in worshiping him and telling others about him?
• Spend time worshiping the King of kings. Then ask God to help you tell others about him.

 
PRAYER:

Dear Lord Jesus Christ, You were born in a manger so humble. You were born suffering, persecuted and being hunted. Your birth is like a bright morning star, which illuminates this dark and sinful world and points us the way. You are the God who created the heavens, the earth and all things, and the God who exists and lasts forever. You are the only way, truth and life, worthy of our great honour and praise! Amen!

HYMN:

Offering – youtu.be/sW2yaIT2u2Y