Christmas Story

Thanksgiving | House of David | 1^st Century A.D. | Christmas Story | Authenticity

6 December 2008

WE HAVE SEEN HIS STAR IN THE EAST,
and ARE COME TO WORSHIP HIM

We, from the eastern reaches of the Persian Diaspora
were in expectation with study and searching the scriptures:
that from the great Deluge of Noe's day unto this
was the Promised dispensation of Messiah to Israel.
Having seen His Star from our eastern station,
we joyously began planning the journey to Jerusalem
that we might worship this new born, king of the Jews.
Having gathered together a party of select communicants
to this vision and an assembly of protective support
for the long and treacherous journey,
we concealed several treasures in our packs,
graciously distributed by those of means but unable
to expend the time for such distant travel.

At our journey's end at Jerusalem, we expected
a "young child", by now, to have been crowned
and celebrated as the everlasting Messiah, son of David.

The city was in an uproar as our convoy of servants, supply
 and support entered making enquiry as to where (Matthew 2:2)
we should see him and make our obeisance to Him.

We were alarmed to find this event was not understood or
known to the Holy city, the Temple, nor the Priests.
We were summoned to the king's palace where Herod
had assembled the chief priests and scribes inquiring after
the turmoil in the city and the news of a messiah having
been born.

Herod himself, being a student of the scripture, was aware
of our timeliness; he demanded of the priests where Christ
should be born, unto which they opened the scripts to show
him that Bethlehem was chosen, being the city of David,
from whom the lineage must come of the house of David.

Then Herod, when he had privily called us, enquired of us
diligently what time the star appeared to us
while in the east:
We had been long in preparation for the journey and the
travel took us already into the second year from our
first observing of His star.
We now had arrived at Jerusalem to see and to worship him,
who is born king of the Jews.

Herod then commanded and sent us to Bethlehem, and said,
Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found
him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

When we had heard the king, we departed; and lo, the star,
which we saw in the east, went before us, till it came and stood over
where the young child was.
When we saw the star, we rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

The Star guided us not to Bethlehem, where he had been born,
but into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. Luke 2:39; Matthew 2:22-23

And when we were come into the house,
 we saw the young child
with Mary his mother (Joseph was not present upon our arrival),
and fell down and worshipped him:
And when we had opened our treasures, we presented unto him
gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

And being warned of God in a dream that we should not return
to Herod, we departed into our own country returning another way.

Not far from our time of departure we were told that
Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of us, was exceeding wroth
and sent forth and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem
and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old
and under, according to the time which he had
diligently enquired of the wise men.
Having heard this, as well as Joseph also being warned in a dream
to flee for that Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

God's fore ordained plan for the royal family's escape was made
absolutely secure in that the soldiers would not go to, or beyond
Jerusalem (to the north) in their sweep of cruel slaughter.

As the Star of Bethlehem had revealed to us
the birth of the Saviour, while yet in the east,
so it appeared again to guide us
not to Bethlehem (as the priests had directed Herod) but to
Nazareth where he, now, a "young child", was living with his
parents and siblings.

We later would learn more of this Star, (having seen it from
our distant home) had stood over Bethlehem around which
an angelic host had sung to a summoned band of lowly
shepherds that were led to the birth place, a cattle shelter
in the city of David.
How carefully God had so hidden this away from
the cruel envies of both political and clerical powers of state.
What consummate divine secret she carries with Joseph alone. Luke 2:19 & 51
How the Scriptures must be fulfilled, that He should be
born at Bethlehem, of the lineage of David, by reason of
the sealed proclamation of Caesar Augustus that all the world
should be taxed. And these, obscure, among of the lineage of
David, came to comply.
She being great with child, they lingered till she would
safely deliver and then go up unto Jerusalem,
after her 40 days of purification, to show her babe to the priest
and to give the proper gifts, according to the Law.
Having so accomplished their duties they would thence return
transparently and unnoticed to their home in the Galilee,
to which only the Star of Bethlehem
could thus guide us.

6 December 2008
Mary's City of David
R. James Taylor

With each Christmas observance the ages old story continues to
fascinate and open new understandings of the its many profound
lessons. It is indeed a "Living Word".
As I had realized several years passed that the two accounts
of the nativity of Jesus ( Matthew and Luke ) were so very
different and somewhat puzzling placed within the same time frame
of Jesus' birth at Bethlehem.
Using the same understanding from the four accounts of his
crucifixion and rising, as well as other portions of his life in
teaching, each account gave valuable perspective that the others
did not. The "apparent contradictions" seemingly found within the
several accounts are not contradictory at all given that each account
fits into a time frame within the story or gives a particular part of the
same version left out by the others.
With the nativity story is one of the best examples because Luke
tells the story of the birth at Bethlehem, so secreted and hidden
away to protect the babe and family. Matthew tells of the wise men
coming to worship, yet well into the second year of Jesus' life. Using
this understanding correctly places their fleeing to Egypt from
Nazareth in the Galilee, and Herod's death in the correct historic fact.
Herod's interrogation of the wise men as to the time they had seen his
Star in the east gives away as to how old he might be. Thus the slaughter
of all children in Bethlehem and surrounds of two years and younger.
The birth in Luke was completely hidden from all the world for obviously
wise purposes in God's plan. The Star they saw at the time of his
birth, which indeed stood over Bethlehem, but only seen by these who
were appointed to the vision. The Star appears again to them, for a
second time which caused them to rejoice with exceeding great joy,
as they left Jerusalem in search of the "young child". Here the star
directs them to the distant safety of Nazareth where they enter a
"house" finding the "young child" was with his mother.
Joseph's absence upon their arrival is important as this visit was
unexpected and kept secret for good reason. The priests were not
called to the birthplace in Luke and their correct directions to
Bethlehem given to Herod sent the soldiers there, far away from
Nazareth allowing for their expedient escape and refuge until Herod
died several years after. Their visit (after his birth) to the temple at
Jerusalem following her purification of 40 days was completely transparent
to all the world, after which they returned to their home at Nazareth, to
which the wise men would be directed by the Star, in its second appearing.

December, 2006

The disciple, Matthew, writing after the destruction of the temple at Jerusalem, 70 A.D. for the remnant of the Jewish sect of Jesus followers, the nucleus of surviving witnesses and believers and for future Jews that were expected to accept the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Luke, a later gentile convert, writing towards the end of the first century to the churches of "Christians" of Paul's work and who were predominantly gentile in population, is writing from collected oral accounts of witnesses from the original Jerusalem congregation.

Matthew 1:1-16, gives the lineage of Jesus from Abraham through David to confirm to Jews in the Jesus following and to record for future Jews the authenticity of the lineage of Jesus, of the house of David. This lineage is the genetic line of Mary being that Joseph had no part in the conception.

Luke 3:23-38, also gives a (different) more complete lineage of Jesus from Adam to David, coming through Heli to Joseph because Joseph was the "son" in law of Heli. Both lineage descriptions come through David and again meet in Joseph and Mary. As David's preeminence as King of Israel is paramount, equally so is Joseph and Mary's obscurity.

Luke, chapter One, tells of the annunciation to Zacharias and the subsequent pregnancy of Elizabeth and birth of their son, John. The emphasis on this portion of the story (into chapter two) is to importantly record the family ties between John Baptist and Jesus and to show the prophetic fulfillment in both of their ministries. The root and primary importance of the Law is shown in a line of family generations that trace back to the Eden image of God.

In Matthew chapter one, tells of the espousal of Mary to Joseph before they "came together"; importantly that she be found a virgin to receive the impregnation (The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the Highest shall over shadow thee, Luke 1:35); thus fulfilling Isaiah 7:14.

Joseph in finding his espoused with child resolves (as he is a just man) to privately divorce her instead of making a public example (brought before the priests for judgment, perhaps stoning). In a dream he is shown by the angel that his espoused is indeed with child of the Holy Ghost and that he should take her unto himself (marriage) and he did as the angel directed: knew her not until after the child was born (Matthew 1: 24-25); Leviticus 15:16-18.

Because of this difficulty, in view of Jewish Law and practice, Mary conveniently went to visit her cousin Elizabeth apart from both Joseph and to be away from the probable suspicions and reports so quickly spread in small village and often closely intertwined Jewish social communities. She kept the sanctity and gravity of her communication of a holy conception close with only parents and Joseph and Elizabeth.

Luke chapter two tells of the taxation decree that directed Joseph to Bethlehem, the nativity of David, to register and pay. He brings his wife, who is great with child, not chancing to be apart from her and the birthing.

Bethlehem is congested with the numerous families of registrants to pay their taxes, thus the inns are all full. They find cover from the elements in a stable during their sojourn at Bethlehem. Joseph will first take care of the business at hand, registering as man and wife (child yet unborn) and pay the tribute. And following: "While they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered" (they await the impending birth in humble confines not wanting to then risk the journey home). Joseph registering the couple before the birth precludes and seals the subsequent record of their child being born at Bethlehem during Herod's reign.

Accordingly, the angel of the Lord appeared to select company, the nearby shepherds, and announce to them of this birth of a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord, in Bethlehem (the city of David). Accompanied by a heavenly host in chorus, the shepherds were told where to find the holy babe: wrapped in swaddlings, lying in a manger. The divine plan was to protect this event in secrecy. Only the shepherds are called and return to their respective midnight watches.

In Matthew, chapter two, the company of Jews or intermixed descendants from the captivity (from the Persian/Armenian diaspora and eastern most extremity of Judaism that would have studied in expectation and been aware of a messiah figure due on time according to scriptures), have been shown His Star (a sign that he is born). With lengthy and careful preparations, they set out for the long trek to Jerusalem in search of this holy infant; to pay obeisance and to give precious and valuable gifts.

The beginning of their travel followed the trade route of the "fertile crescent", under Roman protectorate control (policing from bandits) and well maintained thoroughfares, was well into the first year of Jesus' life. They were not three individuals, but a company in both supply and protective support over their hidden treasures.

Reaching Jerusalem carried them as early into the second year of Jesus' life. Thus, upon entering Jerusalem (a caravan with servants and armed guardians), they ask, Where is he that is (already) born king of the Jews? Coming to Jerusalem, thinking he might have already been acknowledged and received as king.

The city is more than aroused with this assemblage and Herod is alarmed with the front page news.

Back in Matthew we see the unnoticed birth (saving the shepherds who alone were called), in a manger, so to be apart from the traffic and notice of the world round about.

After 8 days the child is circumcised (Luke 2:21) and after 40 days of the mother's purification (Leviticus 12:1-4) the child is taken by his parents to Jerusalem to "present him to the Lord". There he is twice recognized (by Simeon and Anna), yet remains unnoticed.

The family returns to their home (house) in Nazareth, where they abide and will go up to keep the Passover feast in Jesus' first year.

In Matthew the sojourners arrival has caused a stir to the notice of Herod (who was also well schooled in Judaism and builder of the reconstruction of the Temple and Temple mount), who gives them special audience along with his assembled chief priests. Herod demands to know where Messiah, according to scriptures, is to be born, and he sends the company in search of, with instructions that they return to him that he might also go to pay homage.

The Star again appears before them (obviously a phenomena that was not seen by others) and comes to stand over the place: Nazareth, where Mary and Joseph returned and had been living quietly, indigenous to the surrounds.

"When they saw the Star they rejoiced", (verse 10.) Critically its presence was again renewed to them in a new perspective. Leading them out of Jerusalem and away from Bethlehem ………………. This verse stands alone because of its very significance.

Verse 11: When they were come into "the house" they saw the "young child" (now early into its second year), with Mary.  Notice, Joseph is not present; their arrival was unannounced and not expected.

Being warned of Herod's deceit, the company departs "another way", as it was, another way, that they took: not to Bethlehem, but to Nazareth (which also helped insure their safe exit homeward in view of Herod's wrath to follow).

Within the week, Herod realizes that he has been mocked and sends his soldiers to Bethlehem to slay all under two years of age " "according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men" Matthew 2:16. The "wise men" had told Herod of their special lengthy and preparations to insure their safety in long journey after seeing the sign of his birth (Star) from their native lands of the east. They knew that he had been born for some time and expected that he was already over a year old.

The Angel also comes to Joseph to warn of the search and destroy mission of Herod focused on not only Bethlehem, but also in "all the coasts thereof". They flee according to the angelic directions on the coastal roads to Egypt, far removed from Herod's target of Bethlehem and vicinities.

Jesus turns two and goes into his third year while in Egypt. The gold and precious gifts given by the sojourners provide sustenance to the family, who are otherwise impoverished and would scarce survive their up-stakes and long trek into Egypt.

Herod dies shortly after their year in Egypt (sometime between 3 and 4 AD).

The angel again comes to Joseph and tells that Herod is dead and to return into the land of Israel.

Finding Herod's son reigning in his place, Joseph again follows the divine midnight directions and avoids the territories under the immediate eye of Archelaus, but goes into the Galilee and his former home at Nazareth.

They, as a family will continue to live with the secret and to go transparently to the yearly Passover feast at Jerusalem.

The first notice we have of Jesus again is at age 12 with his audience of lawyers and doctors in the Temple during the final days of the Passover feast. The extended family, outside of his parents, are still unaware of the particulars of his birth, and Joseph's yearly tax and registry at Bethlehem would list the family as native and resident at Nazareth.

It is so wonderfully noticed how carefully God arranged the events of this story to conceal and protect. How this story is told through two voices, each carefully and exactly detailing a particularly different and important portion of it. When placed side by side, the two narratives intertwine and blend together as one continuous thread that shows again how God will both conceal and protect the long expected second visit. Where again, there will be a Star, shown to a select few in company, who are in search with an awareness of the impending; a humble and unprepared party of common laborers called to witness: and the great professors of voice to this very event will not be among the called in presence nor leave their comfortable lofty positions to follow through such humble surrounds to quite forsaken and lowly abodes.

R. James Taylor
Secretary of Trustees
Mary's City of David
21 December 2006