The visit of the wise men

When Jesus was born, some wise men (Magi) who lived in the east saw a star which showed that a new king was born in Judea. They came to Jerusalem to see him and pay homage to him. When Herod the Great heard about it, he was greatly troubled; He summoned all the Jewish Chief priests and the scribes together and asked them where the Christ should be born. They told him that the prophets said that the Christ would be born in Bethlehem of Judea. When Herod the great heard this, he invited the wise men privately, He told them to go to Bethlehem of Judea and search for the child, and report back to him so that he too would go and pay homage to him.

The wise men continued their journey and the star they had seen in the East guided them to Bethlehem till it came and stood over the house where Jesus was born, they entered the house, saw baby Jesus with Mary his mother and they fell down and worshipped him. They gave him gifts, which were gold, frankincense and myrrh.

The Gold signified his royal background,

The Frankincense stood for his spiritual/Priesthood work.

The Myrrh signified Jesus ‘ death on the cross to save mankind.

They did not return to King Herod because God warned them in a dream not to return to him.

Evaluation:

• The wise men came from——–
• Mention the three gifts the wise men presented to Jesus Christ
• Who told Herod the Great that a new king of the Jew had been born

Sub-Topic 2: The visit of the Shepherds Luke 2: 8-26

There were some shepherds in Bethlehem who were looking after their flock in the open field. An angel of the Lord appeared to announce the birth of Jesus to them and the whole place shone brightly. The shepherds became frightened but the Angel told them not to be afraid because he had brought them good news. So they went in haste, and found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in a manger. The shepherds then returned to the field, glorifying and praising God for the birth of the Saviour of all mankind.

The significance of the visit of the shepherds:

Shepherds like cattle keepers everywhere, are simple, uneducated and poor people; they have nobody to look up to, except God. The announcement to them therefore shows God’s interest in ordinary people.

EVALUATION:

1. Explain the visit of the shepherds