Post by Woody Williams on Jan 6, 2008 8:15:28 GMT -5
Text for the Day -- 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.
Devotional
----------
Epiphany is the most ancient date set aside for Christian
celebration. Epiphany focuses on the story of the Magi. Jesus' coming
into the world was not just a local event, although it was that. It
was also a cosmic event and related to persons throughout the world
and for all time. God is interested that the whole world knows of
God's love. Isn't that to be our desire as well?
Prayer
----------------
Let your love shine through my life, Lord, so that your love becomes
visible in my actions. Amen
----------
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.
Devotional
----------
Epiphany is the most ancient date set aside for Christian
celebration. Epiphany focuses on the story of the Magi. Jesus' coming
into the world was not just a local event, although it was that. It
was also a cosmic event and related to persons throughout the world
and for all time. God is interested that the whole world knows of
God's love. Isn't that to be our desire as well?
Prayer
----------------
Let your love shine through my life, Lord, so that your love becomes
visible in my actions. Amen