Advent Gem #24 

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe 

Matthew 2:1-10: “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.''  

“When Herod the king 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 inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.  So they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are not the least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you shall come a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel.'  

''Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared.  And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search diligently for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.''  

“When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.” 

Matthew 2:12-15: “Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.  Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, "Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.'' 

“When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, "Out of Egypt I called My Son. 

Proverbs 16:9: “A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. 

The Wise Men had carefully planned their trip. However, they were wise enough to listen to the Word of God and to change those plans. 

Proverbs 19:21: “You can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail” 

Herod made plans, but he could not thwart the purpose of God. 

Joseph, in faith, followed the counsel of God. We seldom speak of the provision of God for the Holy Family’s sojourn in Egypt. We often speak of them as impoverished. Remember the gifts of the Wise Men. Gold, frankincense and were expensive products in ancient times. God sent His loved ones into Egypt with abundance.  

Matthew6: 26,33: "Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 

The Lord God Almighty is our provision as well.