The Story of the Gift of the Magi

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The Story of the Gift of the Magi

Matthew 2:1-10

A while later, Mary and Joseph hadsome very important visitors. Theywere wise men from faraway lands in the east. They had seen the bright starin the night skies. They believed something great had happened. So they traveled a long distance. Theywent to King Herod in Jerusalem.

"We believe a King of the Jews hasbeen born. We saw His star in the east.We have come to worship Him," theysaid to Herod.

Herod knew nothing about Jesus'birth. He asked the religious leaders,"Where is the King of the Jewssupposed to be born?"

"In Bethlehem," they answered.They knew the answer because thatwas what the prophets had said many,many years earlier.

"When did the star appear?" Herodasked the visitors. Herod wanted tofind out as much as possible about thisnew king. He did not want anyonetaking away his throne. Herod wasvery cruel and thought of a plan. Heordered the wise men, "Go and honorHim. When you have found Him,come tell me. I want to do the same."

The wise men went to Bethlehem.They followed the star until itstopped. When they went into thehouse, they saw Baby Jesus in Mary'sarms. They smiled and laughed. Their long journey had been worth it. Theyhad found the baby.

The wise men unloaded their camels.They had brought rare and beautifulgifts to the little family. Mary andJoseph's eyes grew round. "Why,these are gifts fit for a king," Mary

whispered to Joseph. He nodded.One of the wise men bowed beforeher. "We've traveled a long way. Thestar showed us where to go. Here isgold for a great King."

The second wise man came up toMary. "It doesn't happen often thatsuch a large star suddenly appears.That baby will be the greatest of allmen." He laid a jar of myrrh at Mary's feet. Myrrh is very specialperfume, which could only be worn byvery important men.

The third wise man smiled at Maryand Joseph. "This is incense forburning. It will make the air sweet.Incense is pleasing to God. We don'tknow how, but this King is both manand God."

Mary and Joseph thanked the men.They all bowed their heads in prayer.They thanked God for bringing Jesusinto the world.

The night before the visitors weredue to go back home, they had astrange dream. In the dream Godwarned them not to go back and seeKing Herod. The wise men believedthe dream. They went home adifferent way.

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