I will invite you at this time to join me in the gospel of Matthew, the second chapter.

I want to read verses 1 through 12, and I'll have you follow along with me.

If you're able to stand, I'll ask you to stand.

If not, that's all right.

Where you're seated is just fine.

You can follow along as I read.

Matthew, inspired by the Holy Spirit, records the account of what happened at the time that Jesus was born.

And you're going to notice right out of the chute that it was after

Jesus was already born. We're told verse one. 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,

verse 2, 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 this 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, verse five, they said to him, in Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet, speaking of the prophet Micah, interesting.

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, verse 7, 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 carefully for the young child.

And when you have found him, bring back word to me that I may come and worship him also.

Liar.

You don't want to worship him, you want to kill him.

...