Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” 

King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?” “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote: ‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’ ” 

Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!” 

After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! 

They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 

When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod. (Matthew 2:1-12 NLT)

  • Have you ever had an epiphany?
  • Herod and the wise men are a lot like us – where do we see similarities with us?
  • If a consultant asked us for help in creating a 360 evaluation for Herod, what would be the key things we’d include?
  • Same consultant, but this time the wise men’s 360 – what would we offer?
  • Why is this story important for the history of our faith?
  • Why is it important for us tonight?
  • What do you see in one another that is like these wise men?

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. (Philippians 2:13-15 NLT)

 

A Prayer for Light & Freedom

Almighty God, 
in whom we live and move and have our being, 
you have made us for yourself, 
so that our hearts are restless until they rest in you; grant us purity of heart and strength of purpose, 
that no selfish passion may hinder us from knowing your will, 
no weakness from doing it; 
but that in your light we may see light clearly, 
and in your service find our perfect freedom; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

(Augustine: 354-430)