Matthew 2:1–12
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in
Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is
the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its
rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was
frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief
priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to
be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by
the prophet: 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.” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from
them the exact time when the star had appeared. 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.” When they had heard
the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had
seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When
they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 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. And having been warned in a dream not to return
to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
Reflection
·
What star am I being called to
follow this year?
What gifts from my treasure
chest will I offer Jesus in service of his mission?