Let Us Celebrate Baby Jesus: Matthew 2:1-12
1. After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea during the time of King Herod, Maji from the east came to Jerusalem,
2. and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him”
Maji were respected group of Scholars and astrologers from Persia of the Persian Empire today’s–Iran.
(Dan 1:20,21).
3. When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.
4. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born.
5. “In Bethlehem, in Judea” they replied,”for this is what the prophet had written.
6. “But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.”
7. Then Herod called the Maji secretly and found out from them the exact time the star will appear.
8. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so I too may go and worship him.”
9. After they had heard the King, they went on their way, and the star they have seen when it rose went ahead until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their own country by another route.
The star lead the wise men from Jerusalem to Bethlehem and stop in the place where Jesus was. The Maji expressed their respect for and joyous worship of the Christ child. Biblical faith calls for worshipers to come before the Lord with gifts that have real values for worshipers. Jesus’ coming made clear God’s open door policy to all people, tongues and nations. Like Mary, God chooses those who are available and believe in God’s Word. Mary put the glory of God above her own reputation. Friends, whenever you look at the manger, ask yourself: Have I trusted God’s only provision for my sins?
Merry Christmas.
Rev. Dr. Tommy Oke, Minister of Discipleship
