“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
We saw his star at its rising
and have come to do Him homage.”
MATTHEW 2:2
The child Jesus comes as a ruler who is to shepherd God's people. He is the light of the world annd the hope of the nations. He is born in a humble manger but He is the King of kings, the fulfillment of the prophecy and the promise of salvation. He is the good shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, a gentle teacher who guides them in the truth.
Do homage to the child Jesus who is the Son of God and man. He is the Word made flesh and the Lamb who takes away our sin. He is the Prince of peace and joy, the gift of God's love and the treasure of our hearts. He is the Savior of the world and us, the way, the truth, and the life and the door to eternal bliss.
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.” Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.” After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way. (Matthew 2:1-12)
Jesus your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. He is the star of Bethlehem and the dawn of a new day. He is the radiance of God's face and the splendor of His grace. He is the brightness of our joy and the source of our faith. Raise your eyes and look to Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith, the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end. He is the mediator and advocate of our souls, the high priest and king, the shepherd and friend, our redeemer and healer of our lives.
Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; but upon you the Lord shines, and over you appears his glory. Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance. Raise your eyes and look about; they all gather and come to you: your sons come from afar, and your daughters in the arms of their nurses. Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow, for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you, the wealth of nations shall be brought to you. Caravans of camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; all from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the Lord. (Isaiah 60:1-6)
Jesus governs with justice, the lives of the poor He saves. He is the defender of the oppressed and the liberator of the enslaved. He is the provider of the needy and the comforter of the grieved. He is the ruler of the righteous and the judge of the wicked. Offer gifts and serve Jesus who is the treasure of all wisdom, the pearl of great price and the hidden manna of heaven. He is the honor of all glory, the crown of life, an the name above every name.
O God, with your judgment endow the king, and with your justice, the king’s son; he shall govern your people with justice and your afflicted ones with judgment. Justice shall flower in his days, and profound peace, till the moon be no more. May he rule from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth. The kings of Tarshish and the Isles shall offer gifts; the kings of Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute. All kings shall pay him homage, all nations shall serve him. For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out, and the afflicted when he has no one to help him. He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor; the lives of the poor he shall save. (Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13)
We are all copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel of His grace, the heirs of His inheritance and the members of His body. We are the witnesses of His miracles and the workers of His harvest. We are the peacemakers of His kingdom and the reconcilers of His love. Let us receive the stewardship of God's grace that was given to us for the benefit of others. We are the stewards of His mysteries and the servants of His gifts. We are the channels of His blessings and the dispensers of His favor. We are the partners of His mission and the agents of His change.
You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for your benefit, namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation. It was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit, that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. (Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6)
Lord Jesus, You are my King who rules the world with justice. You are the sovereign Lord of all and the righteous Judge of all. I humbly offer myself to serve You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. I surrender my will to Your will and follow Your commands and plans. I praise You for Your grace and mercy and worship You for Your love and glory now and forever. Amen.
Pericope:
I: The Infancy Narrative
THE VISIT OF THE MAGI
Matthew 2:1-12
III. Return of the First Captives
GLORY OF THE NEW ZION
Isaiah 60:1-22
Second Book of Psalms 42-72
A PRAYER FOR THE KING
Psalm 72:1-20
III: World Mission of the Church
COMMISSION TO PREACH GOD'S PLAN
Ephesians 1-13
Reflection Source:
Copilot with Bing Chat
