Matthew 2:1-2 NLT

1 Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking
2 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”

Isaiah 60:6 ESV

A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the LORD.

Matthew 2:3 KJV

When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

Matthew 2:5-6 NLT

5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote:
6 ‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’”

Matthew 2:8-10 NLT

8 Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!”
9 After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was.
10 When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!

In our everyday lives, we always have a choice to look up and see God’s hand leading us, or down and be tethered to our own limited logic and distracting emotions. Our joy depends on what we choose.

Matthew 2:11 NLT

They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

We’ve been trained by culture to bring our best to Jesus, but Jesus wants our worst.

What we treasure, we protect.

TIFAW

Matthew 11:28 NLT

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.