Scripture for Saturday after the Third Sunday in Advent

Matthew 2:12-2 (ESV)

2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men[a] from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for from you shall come a ruler

who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Dear God, we read of the Wise Men in these days of technological wonders and modern transportation, and we forget how different their travels were. They had the guiding light of the star, but they had no GPS, no airplanes, no ships, no autos. They traveled on camels long distances through harsh climactic conditions with no travel comforts. They weren’t even Jews, but they saw the star and followed it, knowing that signified something of great portent. Help us to feel that same wondrous sense that the world was being changed. The tiny babe they traveled far to see would save the world from sin and death to all who believed on Him. In His name we pray. Amen

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