Veiled Joy - Matthew 2:1-12 - Veiled - Rev. Shawn Slate - December 23, 2018

MATTHEW 2:1-12 ESV

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise

men 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.