When we read the event in Matthew, though, we learn that isn't the case. There's also no mention of how many wise men. Chances are, there were several and they traveled in a large group to the place where Jesus was. We assume three because of the three gifts. As you read the following, note that they arrived "after Jesus was born in Bethlehem," "where the young Child was," (not the baby) and "when they had come into the house" (not manger).
I'll have a little more on this tomorrow. I'm not trying to burst anyone's bubble, and I'm not saying to remove the wise men from your nativity scene, it's just that as I learn and grow in the word, I'm trying very hard to take it at face value. I don't want to be one of those people who pick and choose the parts of the bible that I like and that make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. There is plenty in the bible that is hard to swallow, impossible to comprehend, and that is, frankly, disturbing, especially in light of our present culture. I try to imagine what it was like back then. If I can't imagine it, that doesn't matter either because what does matter is that this is what God has chosen to be in the bible. These are His words. He had a reason for each word, and it's up to me to read His word without impressing my own views and values on it. I believe that's the responsibility of all Christians. I hope you agree.
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, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:
‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,Are not the least among the rulers of Judah;For out of you shall come a RulerWho will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”
When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.
Matthew 2:1-12 NKJV
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Please join me this week in praying about the true meaning of Christmas. Let us pray for focus on the birth of Jesus and that our focus may touch the hearts of non-believers. Let us share the event of the Virgin birth and spread the Good News of what this historical event means to each of us. Let us emphasize that the only gift that matters this Christmas is that our Lord and Savior was born into this world, one hundred percent human, to rescue His fallen children.
I'll post daily reminders on:
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