Read Matthew 2:1–12
The king’s star has risen over Israel; we must welcome him! We gathered precious metals and expensive spices, to curry the new monarch’s favor. Arriving in the capital, we proceeded to the palace. Where else would their ruler be? Herod welcomed us with acclaim, but to our surprise, replied with ignorance concerning this new king. Consulting their records, royal scribes pronounced that this child would be born in Bethlehem, a short distance from where we stood.
As we approached the town, we were astonished. The king of Israel born among peasants? We located the house and entered it. This child looked no different from any other child. Yet this was the ruler whose birth the very skies proclaimed. We presented him with our gold, frankincense, and myrrh. It seems the favor we curry shall be of another sort entirely.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for being both the Great Monarch and the kid around the corner.
Text by Jodi Craiglow/Artwork by Creation Lab/Video by members of First United Presbyterian Church of Belleville, IL