NARRATOR 1: After Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem of Judea during the reign of King Herod, magi from the east arrived one day in Jerusalem.
MAGI: Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to pay him homage.
NARRATOR 2: At this King Herod became greatly disturbed, and with him all Jerusalem. He summoned the chief priests and the scribes.
HEROD: Where is the Messiah to be born?
PRIEST: In Bethlehem of Judea.
SCRIBE: Here is what the prophet has written: “And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the princes of Judah, since from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.”
NARRATOR 1: Herod talked to the magi and found out from them the exact time of the star’s appearance. Then he sent them to Bethlehem.
HEROD: Go and get detailed information about the child. When you have discovered something, report to me so that I may go and offer him homage, too.
NARRATOR 2: After their audience with the king, the magi set out. The star went ahead of them until it came to a standstill over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house, found the child with Mary, his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their coffers and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
NARRATOR 1: They received a message in a dream not to return to Herod, so they went back to their own country by another route.
Matthew 2.1-12
Sunday Readings: Isaiah 60.1-6; Ephesians 3.2-3, 5-6; Matthew 2.1-12