Tuesday, October 21, 2008

October 21

Visit of the Magi and Flight into Egypt; From Infancy to Manhood -- Matthew 2:1-23; Luke 2:39-52

Believe it or not, this is "The Original Christmas Gift" offered by the Hammacher Schlemmer catalog for $69.95 and is available for immediate shipping.  

This chronological version of the Bible helps me out.  I always wondered why Joseph offered the poor man's sacrifice of two doves or pigeons [Luke 2:22-24] when the Magi had brought such lavish gifts.  According to this chronology, the gifts came later.  I wonder what the family did with the gold, incense and myrrh?  Was it used by the family in their travels from Bethlehem to Egypt to Galilee.  Did Christ use it to support His widowed mother after Joseph died so that He could be about His ministry instead of supporting His family as the firstborn male cultural was bound to do?  Did He give it away?  Did His mother use it as she followed Him on His ministry?  Was it used in the preparation for His burial or that of His father Joseph?  Was it saved... somehow I think not.  Anne Rice suggests in her book Christ the Lord:  The Road to Cana that He used it for the dowery of the bride for whom He will also turn the water into wine.  But the question remains -- what did Jesus or His family do with the riches the Magi brought.  Most likely an inconsequential point.  We know what we need to know.  But we know so little about the youth of Christ.  

Imagine the misery of the women in Bethlehem.  The editor estimates 40 to 50 baby boys slaughtered by Herod.   I'm certain God grieved.  And while Herod tried to preserve his kingdom, he ultimately lost it and those 40 or 50 boys ended up the brothers of Christ in Heaven.  Even at his birth, there is a sacrifice because of sin.

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