Monday 22nd December
Read Matthew 2:9-12
“After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them 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 worshipped 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 country by another route.” (NIVUK)
Those uncomfortable with miracles sometimes struggle with the plain meaning of the text. I have often read theories around comets, and planets and phases of the sky that could account for what the Magi saw. Matthew however chooses to make clear that a star that led them on a long journey somehow reappeared, changed direction, and led them directly to the child. The heavens themselves rejoiced to reveal the birth of the true King.
For Jesus is presented as a king, receiving gifts as kings regularly did. The Magi represented the nations arriving to honour Him and Matthew draws on passages that show the nations recognising His future greatness.
“Herds of camels will cover your land,
young camels of Midian and Ephah.
And all from Sheba will come,
bearing gold and incense
and proclaiming the praise of the Lord.” (Isaiah 60:6) (NIVUK)
“May the kings of Tarshish and of distant shores
bring tribute to him.
May the kings of Sheba and Seba
present him with gifts.
11 May all kings bow down to him
and all nations serve him.” (Psalm 72:10-11) (NIVUK)
Without having done anything worthy of honour or worship yet, Jesus is recognised as the future King.
