ight from Heaven than were the Jewish priests, who were so full of
selfishness and pride.
These wise men were philosophers. They had studied the
handiwork of God in nature, and had learned to love Him there. They
had studied the stars, and knew their movements.
They loved to watch the heavenly bodies in their nightly march.
If a new star should be seen, they would welcome its appearance as a
great event.
On that night when the angels came to the shepherds of Bethlehem,
the wise men had noticed a strange light in the sky. It was the glory
which surrounded the angel host.
When this light faded away, they had seen in the heavens what
looked like a new star. At once they thought of the prophecy which
says, “There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise
out of Israel.” Numbers 24:17. Was this star a sign that the Messiah
had come? They determined to follow it, and see where it would lead
them. It led them into Judea. But when they came near to Jerusalem,
the star grew so dim that they could not follow it.
Supposing that the Jews could at once guide them to the Saviour,
the wise men went into Jerusalem, and said, “Where is He that is born
King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east, and are come
to worship Him.
“When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled,
and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief
priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where
Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea:
for thus it is written by the prophet.” Matthew 2:2-5.
Herod did not like to hear of a king who might some
23
day take his throne. So he took the wise men by themselves, and asked
when they first saw the star. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying:
“Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found
Him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship Him also.”
When the wise men heard this, they started again on their journey.
“And, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it
came and stood over where the young child was.
“When they were come into the house, they saw the young child
with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshiped Him: and when
they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold,
and frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:6-11.
The most precious things they had, the wise men brought to the
Saviour. In this they set an example for us. Many give presents to
their earthly friends, but have none for the heavenly Friend who has
given them every blessing. We should not do this. To Christ we should
bring the best of all we have—of our time, money, and our love.
We may give to Him by giving to comfort the poor, and to teach
people about the Saviour. So we can help to save those for whom He
died. Such gifts Jesus blesses.
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Chap. 4 - The Flight Into Egypt
Herod had not been honest in saying that he wanted to go and
worship Jesus. He feared that the Saviour would grow up to be a king,
and take his kingdom from him.
He wanted to find the child, that he might have Him put to death.
The wise men prepared to return and tell Herod. But the angel of
the Lord appeared to them in a dream, and sent them home another
way.
“And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord
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appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young
child and His mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I
bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy Him.”
Matthew 2:13.
Joseph did not wait till morning; he rose at once, and with Mary
and the child, started by night on the long journey.
The wise men had given costly presents to Jesus,
