Thought for the Week

Scriptures to Read:

St. Matthew 1:18-25

St. Matthew 2:1-6

St. Matthew 2:7-12

St. Luke 2:22-32

St. Luke 2:28-35

St. Luke 2:36-40

Galatians 4:4-7

Today, I want to lead your thinking about un-named witnesses. There are tons of them in Scripture. These are definitely involved in the Christmas Story. We know a little bit about them. There are more things proposed than known from actual Scripture. The song writer calls them, "We Three Kings." No doubt it is a beautiful song, but the Scriptural accuracy is a bit suspect. I find nowhere in Scripture that they are actually kings, nor that there are just three of them. We make supposition there are three because three gifts are named: gold, frankincense and myrrh. These are valuable gifts, perhaps only available for purchase by rich (maybe kings). Christmas cards portray them at the manger but Scripture speaks of their coming to the house where The Child was.

The actual Scriptures are: St. Matthew 2:1-12. Scripture calls them "Magi" (wise men). Support Scripture is proposed as Numbers 24:17. This is a part of the prophecy of a pagan man, who had a reputation for casting spells, as a part of his practicing divination. This man, Balaam, is not a prophet of God but God did use him. In this verse, a Star is mentioned. The wise men say, in Matthew's account, they followed a star. But the Numbers' star, and the Matthew' star, may not be the same thing. The star spoken of in Matthew most certainly was some sort of heavenly body. God could have created this star for the purpose of guiding these searching wise men. I can imagine it several miles high in the sky, with beams of light descending that could be seen and followed. For some reason, they stopped in Jerusalem. This was about six miles from their actual destination.

Listen to their words, spoken to King Herod, The Great, reigning monarch of that area: "Where is He that is born King of the Jews? We have seen His star in the east and have come to worship Him." We suppose they must have heard or read something in their studies, to make them aware of the coming King: one born as King. Their words distressed Herod. He was extremely jealous. He had multiple members of his own family executed because he considered them threats to his reign. Herod consulted the religious leadership and was told of the prophecy that He would be born in Bethlehem, the birthplace of King David (see Micah 5:2).

Herod tells the wise men, they leave and again the star guides them to the young King. God warns them of Herod's desire to kill the Child and they return home via a different route. But first they offer their gifts and they worship. Herod, in a rage, orders the execution of all male babies, aged 2 and under. My guess is the Baby was considerably less than 2, Herod was not wanting to risk the escape of new-born-King.God had already taken care to provide escape.

So, who do we find as witnesses in this segment of the Story? 1. The wise men making a long journey to present gifts and worship, 2. The star, prepared by God, and available to lead searchers to the new-born-King, 3. Herod, his jealous rage against the new-born-King. 4. Perhaps those who hear or read this part of the story, found in St. Matthew 1:18-25 and 2:1-12. They tell or "talk it over" with others. It is amazing to me that reading and discussing the Scriptures can bring folks to faith in God. Of course The Holy Ghost (Holy Spirit) is charged with leading people to the truth. May The Holy Spirit guide you to understand and accept the true Christmas Story.