01.02.2021 Gospel Matthew Chapter 2

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, Magi from the East arrived in Jerusalem. They said, "Where is this newborn King of the Jews? We saw His star at its rising. We have come to do Him homage."

Now, when King Herod heard this, he was greatly distressed, as was all of Jerusalem. Calling together the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where it was that this child was to be born. They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written through the prophet. You, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, since from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people, Israel."

Then Herod called the Magi secretly, and he ascertained from them the time of the star's appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go. Search diligently for the child, and when you have found Him, bring word that I, too, may go and pay Him homage." After their audience with the king, they set out, and the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them until it came to rest over the place where the child was.

They were filled with joy at seeing the star. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary, His mother. They fell down and did homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, and so they returned to their country by a different route.