Meditation

Hi there,

In Matthew 2, we clearly see the three responses people have to Jesus: Hostility, Indifference, and Worship.

...in today's reading, we see the fruits of those responses. The indifferent, of course, do nothing. The religious leaders provide information but don't link it to action. Their first and only concern is to maintain their position.

The hostile try to use the efforts of the faithful to enable their own schemes. Herod is 'diligent' in deception but does not have the capacity for worship of any kind, aside from empty worship of self.

The faithful persist in their search, worship joyfully, and give abundantly.

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

... and here, at the very beginning, we can see we are being asked:

Who or what will you worship?

Yourself, your position, or your Savior?

What are you worshiping this Christmas?

Today's passage is Matthew 2:7–12.

I have included Friday's verses in gray for context.

Today's passage completes the eighth of our nine readings.

Matthew 2

2 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, art not the least among the princes of Judah: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

Encouragement

Today, I've got two bonuses for you: a Carol as usual and also a reading of T.S Elliot's "The Journey of the Magi."

A reading of this poem was part of our Christmas Service in my home village in Derbyshire, England. It's short (2 minutes) but very deep. Be sure to. listen to the end.

Today's Carol is "We Three Kings."

Be Encouraged. Join our 1000 strong Facebook Group

Post a picture of your completed page to our Facebook Group today.

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...and don't worry about your handwriting.

It is as unique as you are, and God's word looks beautiful in it.

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