Advent and the glorious journey

Ships of the desert’, the old name for those wonderful camels who for thousands of years have borne many a load, particularly in the sands of Africa, and the Middle East, including Israel. But there was once a journey where they, and those they carried, would have travelled as if sailing on golden seas. Guided from heaven by a star, drawn on by the revelation of the King, and filled with wonder about all that was to unfold, this party were indeed a privileged few. Trained by an ancient prophet, able to see God’s future revealed, these wise men, who were also royalty, knew who to worship. And now, we too can catch this wave of joy and hope, knowing even more so the love and life that lies ahead.

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, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:

‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

Are not the least among the rulers of Judah;

For out of you shall come a Ruler

Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”

Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”

When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was.

(Matthew 2:1-9)


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