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After Jesus' birth
in Bethlehem of Judea during the reign of King Herod,
astrologers from the east arrived one day in Jerusalem
inquiring, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We
observed his star at its rising and have come to pay him
homage."
At this news King Herod became greatly disturbed, and with him
all Jerusalem. Summoning all of the chief priests and scribes of
the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be
born. "In Bethlehem of Judea," they informed him.
"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."
Herod called the astrologers aside and found out from them the
exact time of the star's appearance. Then he sent them to
Bethlehem, after having instructed them: "Go and get
detailed information about the child. When you have found him,
report your findings to me so that I may go and offer him homage
too."
After their audience with the king, they set out. The star which
they had observed at its rising 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.
They received a message in a dream not to return to Herod, so
they went back to their own country by another route. |
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