"Rich and Noble/Poor and Plain"

January 8, 2013

“Rich and Noble/Poor and Plain”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading…
Matthew 2:1-12
Luke 2:8-20
John 7:41-42
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We continue to see the amazing things that occurred in the birth of the Lord.

Wise Men

Wise men from the east came to worship Him.
They were following a star.
This was not some “planetary conjunction” or the like.
The star stood over the house where Jesus was...a rather precise event.
They came to find the King of the Jews.
Of course this upset King Herod.
We rarely give heed to the political climate of the day. Turmoil. Chaos.
There was a tremendous expectation of Messiah.
There was also the rule of Rome.
Herod feigned interest in worshipping the King. His true interest was in destroying the King...we will see that later.

Note the things that occurred…
  • prophecies fulfilled
  • dreams that warned
  • stars that led
  • men from pagan lands that came to worship (I suspect they came from Persia and were influenced by the Jewish population/writings remaining from the time of Daniel)
  • gifts were given
  • worship was given

We see that they found the Child in a house.
It was a number of months past the time of birth.

Yes, most “Christmas creches” are in error. Happy

Shepherds

The shepherds were among the lowest in societal structure.
They were living in the field, keeping watch over the flock.

Note the things that occurred…
  • angelic visitation
  • the glory of the Lord shone around them
  • proclamation of the gospel: the Good News - a Savior is born
  • they received a sign: the baby wrapped…
  • I like this translation…”a vast heavenly army appeared with the angel” praising!
  • the shepherds hurried and found the family as they were told
  • the shepherds praised and glorified God

Mary
  • treasured and pondered these things in her heart
  • what must she be thinking?
  • what must she be feeling?

Jesus came to the Rich and Noble, the Poor and Plain.
He came to seek and save the lost.

Spread the Word.

Blessings!