Tag: EPIPHANY

HIGH FIVE!

Matthew 2:1-12 is a significant passage in the New Testament of the Bible, often referred to as the story of the Magi or the Visit of the Wise Men. Here are some key points that highlight its significance:

1. The Visit of the Magi:

The passage describes the arrival of the Magi (wise men) from the East who came to Jerusalem seeking the newborn king of the Jews. Their journey signifies the acknowledgment of Jesus’ kingship and messianic role by Gentiles, emphasizing that His birth has a universal significance beyond the Jewish community.

2. The Star of Bethlehem:

The Magi were guided by a star, often referred to as the Star of Bethlehem. This celestial event highlights the divine nature of Jesus’ birth and the fulfillment of prophecy. It symbolizes guidance, revelation, and the light of Christ coming into the world.

3. King Herod’s Response:

King Herod’s reaction to the news of the newborn king—his fear and subsequent deceitful plan—illustrates the political and social tension surrounding Jesus’ birth. It sets the stage for Herod’s later actions, including the Massacre of the Innocents, and contrasts the innocence and humility of Jesus with Herod’s tyranny.

4. Gifts of the Magi:

The gifts brought by the Magi—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—carry deep symbolic meanings:

• Gold symbolizes Jesus’ kingship.
• Frankincense represents His priestly role and divinity.
• Myrrh prefigures His suffering and death, as it was commonly used for embalming.

5. Divine Guidance:

The passage underscores divine intervention and guidance, as the Magi are warned in a dream not to return to Herod. This divine warning and their obedience to it further highlight God’s protection over Jesus.

6. Fulfillment of Prophecy:

Throughout the narrative, the events fulfill Old Testament prophecies, reaffirming Jesus as the promised Messiah and God’s sovereign plan in action.

Overall, this passage emphasizes the recognition of Jesus as a divine and universal king, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the theme of divine guidance and protection. It also foreshadows both the joy and the trials that will surround Jesus’ life and mission.

Thank you for that information… Can you tell me some old testament readings that refer to the birth of a messiah since I missed church yesterday due to work? (Be CREATIVE)

Absolutely, I’d be delighted to help you connect some Old Testament prophecies to the birth of the Messiah! Here are a few significant passages, along with a bit of creative flair to help them come alive:

1. Isaiah 7:14

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Imagine a dramatic celestial backdrop as the prophet Isaiah speaks of a miraculous birth. Immanuel, meaning “God with us,” hints at a divine presence coming into the world in the form of a child.

2. Micah 5:2

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” Picture a quiet, humble village, Bethlehem, under a starlit sky. From this seemingly insignificant place emerges a leader with ancient roots—a reminder that greatness often springs from humble beginnings.

3. Isaiah 9:6-7

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Visualize the joyous celebration of a child’s birth, with titles that echo through the ages: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. These names encapsulate the divine and eternal nature of the coming Messiah.

4. Jeremiah 23:5-6

“The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.” Imagine the lineage of David like a majestic tree, with a righteous Branch emerging—a king destined to bring justice and righteousness to the land. This prophecy foretells a leader who embodies wisdom and justice.

5. Numbers 24:17

“I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel.” Envision a distant, shimmering star rising from Jacob—a symbol of a coming ruler with a scepter, signifying authority and sovereignty. This imagery resonates with the Magi’s star-guided journey to find Jesus.

These Old Testament passages not only foreshadow the birth of the Messiah but also weave a tapestry of hope, promise, and divine intervention. Each verse adds a brushstroke to the grand masterpiece of salvation history.

If you have more time, these readings are great for deeper reflection, and perhaps they’ll bring you the inspiration and connection you might have missed from church yesterday. ✨📖

I WISH I HAD MORE TIME! (let’s RUN + shovel SNOW)