humblejon

These passages in Matthew point out that Jesus came to earth first for God's people the Jews--yet most rejected Him, which in turn, opened the door up for the Gentiles to seek out and accept Christ as their Lord and Savior. I read a Christmas card awhile back which said "Wise men still seek out Christ!"

Jesus is the "new born" king so extravagant gifts are very fitting in showing honor and respect to someone this important. Their gifts show how much they admire and regard Jesus and the role He will play in human history. We bring ourselves to God to do His will, we bring our love and praise to honor who He is and what He has done, and we bring back our gifts to be used to,further God's kingdom.

After they have been searching for something wondrous and following a heavenly sign, the magi in amazement found the small child. They laid prostrate to show their reverence, respect, honor, and faith that Jesus is the messiah and promised king. We can worship the same way by fearing and him ring God with our actions, praising His name every moments that we can, willingly serve to further His kingdom, and humbly approaching the Father, through Jesus' name, in prayer.

If Jesus' birth is God in fleshing dwelling with us, it deserves a grand heavenly sign. Since he worked in the courts of Babylon several centuries beforehand, the magi most likely heard and studied Daniel's prophecies of a new king and messiah. Since Daniel was considered a magi himself and the wise men being men of learning and curiosity, they went to "check out" this amazing sign. The Jewish scriptures also mentioned in Balaam's prophecy in Numbers 24, that a specter and star will rise out of Israel-- so they went!!

When I recall the moment when God's grace became a reality in my life, it brings feelings of great joy and heart-felt praise. I often ponder upon this and I am still amazed at how much God loves us and how much He did to make us realize that. I wish I was bolder in telling others instead of just relaying on my actions. (Sometimes they are not so reliable). People need to made known and hear the Good News.

The first title is Savior who will rescue and deliver others. Next, is Christ who is the anointed messiah; and third, The Lord or God (Yahweh) himself. Thes titles,therefore, tell us that Jesus is God coming to earth to dwell with us, with a mission to seek out, rescue and deliver us from our long time enemies--sin and death.

Jesus was born in a manger to symbolize the purpose of His mission on earth--to seek out the lost and poor, to serve and not to be served, and to be a humble servant. The shepards are comparatively Jesus' social equivolant since they possess a lowly standing in society. Furthermore, Jesus calls Himself later as the "good Shepard" and His ministry exemplified what a good Shepard does for the lost and suffering.

Being pregnant and nearly expecting made the journey to Bethlehem very challenging and difficult. Of course, the journey with all it's difficulties was better than staying alone in Nazereth. Encountering hardships or comfort are no indications of one following in God's will. God utilizes all situations (good or bad) for His glory, and our good. Hardships in my life, I believe, we're God's way in disciplining, teaching to appreciate our blessings, or instructing on the benefits of depending on God and His goodness. Regardless of our present circumstance, we should praise God for who He is, and what He has done for us.

By namingthe rulersin Luke chapter 2, the author of this gospel is placing Jesus' birth in its proper historical context. His birth is not a holiday "fairy tale" but a true event in human history--one of the greatest events in human history. Jesus, therefore, is real and alive!!!

Joseph showed not only his compassion towards Mary but also his undivided faithfulness and obedience to God. In two ways the name of "Jesus" tells us He came into this world to save and rescue God's people. Being a "son of David" Jesus arrived to bring the good news of redemption first to the Jews, and then later to all peoples of the world.

Mary had yet to have "known" a man, her baby was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and she remained a virgin. This was foreshadowed, along with the child's name Immanuel, in Isaiah 7:14. Matthew included his in his gospel to point out that Jesus' birth and the circumstances surrounding his mother, completely fulfills Isaiah's prophecy.

Jesus' name meant--Yahweh saves or to rescue from affliction. In this case, Jesus will save the whole human race from sin! If told separately the appointed name will appear more important and commanded. Furthermore, telling each parent independently will prevent the chance of one forgetting the name, or in another circumstance, one of them disagreeing with the other.

It appears that Mary's fate is in Joseph's hands. Will he divorce her, marry her, or public ally humiliate and forsake her? Eventually, Joseph exhibits compassion and gentle maturity towards Mary--he will quietly divorce her and avoid all the shameful drama. Even before he was obedient to God's will, Joseph displayed the traits of mercy and grace that will later exemplify his "adopted" son, Jesus.

Jesus would have learned the value of hard work with expecting little reward, and pride in using one,s talents and ability that God gave us. Instead of living leisurely, Jesus would have learned to live subsistently and develop a dependent on God the Father. Jesus would have been exposed to people from different social classes, how to relate and communicate with them, and how to serve not to be served. Jesus would become very familiar with the people and customs of the area around Galilee, which will benefit His ministry in this region.

These phrases are deprived from Elizabeth's "prophetic insight" in verses 42and43. Mary is blessed since she is faithful and has the privilege in bearing the Son of God. By Mary bearing Jesus, who is God incarnate, she techically can be called the "Mother" of God. As in all things, people Need to take ideas in their proper perspective. Mary is uniquely blessed and far different from any woman in history. Mary, however, cannot be exalted as divine or replace Christ in are worship and prayers. Mary earns our respect and admiration--but Jesus earned our worship and praise sine He is fully human and fully God.