Day 17 Matthew 2 verses 1 – 6 (In the silence of night)
Bible Reading – Matthew 2 verses 1 – 6
2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:
6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
Opening Prayer
God of wonder, into the darkness of the world you sent your light. A light which guides the traveller to your side.
As we read of the wisemen, we ask that you open our eyes to the glory of your love which is coming into the world.
Let the mystery of Jesus’ birth draw us closer to you. Fill us until we overflow with your joy and love. Amen..
Reflection
We are not even in Christmas week yet but here I am with a reading and a song about the wisemen? Not only that but tomorrow’s reflection continues the story. To be honest I wrote a song and put it to several tunes all of which I like – so… instead of flooding you with them all on one day there will be four versions over two days!
There are many who think the kings/wisemen should not be part of the nativity as they arrived sometime after Jesus’ birth. Some commentators say up to two years after his birth. We traditionally remember their coming on the 12th day of Christmas. Epiphany the 6th of January. This vagueness of when they arrived make determining when they set off equally complicated. If they were from Persia they could have set off as Jesus was born or it may have been from further afield. It didn’t really matter to the Gospel writers so it is not recorded. The fact is they came and brought meaningful gifts – of which more later in this series.
Today’s thought followed on from these. In particular it does not matter when we ourselves start our journey to find Jesus. It can be at the start of our lives or at the very end of them. No matter when, we will find the open arms of Jesus welcoming us. I sometimes sit and remember the people who have helped me on my journey. First to find Jesus and since that day those who have helped me to remain in his presence. They were and still are all “stars” pointing the way to Jesus. Lighting the path to his side, not only that but walking with me as I walked that path.
Our constant challenge from God is that we too should be those stars. Shining and showing the way to everyone we meet. Showing the way to our Saviour.
A time for your own reflection
Read the passage again and spend a little time thinking of how the passage speaks to you. The wonder of scripture is that there is always something new to discover and each passage speaks to us in our own need and circumstances.
Only if you feel you want to – share your thoughts with someone. God inspires our thoughts and you never know, the person you share with may be waiting to hear what you have to say.
Song
Here is the next song –
“In the Silence of Night”
In today’s song I wanted to express the wonder of seeing a star, interpreting it and then setting off on a long journey to see what has been promised. I wanted to create a sweeping Scandinavian operatic progressive rock version as I felt that reflected my own vision of the journey of the magi but I know my musical tastes are not everyone’s so also created some other gentler versions. Today’s has been through the editorial eyes of our church music group and I have made a few small alterations to the words as suggested by Val to the solo singer version below.
Words: Chris Hancock
Inspiration: Matthew 2 verses 1 – 6
Music: Generated on Suno.com
Voice: A.I.
“Symphonic Prog”
Solo Folk
[Verse 1]
In the silence of night, with hearts full of dreams,
We followed a light, that glittered and gleamed.
A star in the heavens, so bright and so bold,
Leading the way, to a promise of old.
[Chorus]
When the star rose, we knew inside,
That where it led, love would abide.
Over a child, this light would shine,
In that moment, human yet divine.
[Verse 2]
Over deserts, and mountains, we journeyed far,
With the promise of peace, proclaimed by a star.
The source of the world’s hope, love will abound.
Following a star, to where he is found.
[Chorus]
When the star rose, we knew inside,
That where it led, love would abide.
Over a child, this light would shine,
In that moment, human yet divine.
[Guitar Solo]
[Bridge]
With each step taken, we draw closer to life,
The light of the star, our feet will guide,
Shadows are scattered, in the warmth of its glow,
For the greatest of gifts, it has shone to show.
[Chorus]
When the star rose, we knew inside,
That where it led, love would abide.
Over a child, this light would shine,
In that moment, human yet divine.
[Outro]
The star came to rest, on most holy of nights,
Above a humble stable, which was lit by its’ light.
In the cradle he is found, by we who travelled far
To find our loving Saviour, by the light of a star.
Prayer
Loving God, you inspired the wisemen to leave their homes and travel to find the birthplace of Jesus. We ask that your guiding star will shine before us, Encouraging us once again to travel to the stable it will rest over. Let us once again come into the presence of our Saviour, as if it were the first time, filled with excitement and enthusiasm.
We pray for all of those known to us who are seeking the way to Jesus. Help us to always be ready and willing to lead them to your side. Keep our hearts and minds open and ready to that when the moment to speak and share comes. We will have the perfect words to reach into that persons heart. To encourage them to come into your presence and bow before their Saviour. Amen
Copyrights
Reflections and Prayers
By Chris Hancock
Songs
Words of the songs are by Chris Hancock
Music generated on Suno.com
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Bible Readings
Bible readings are from the New International Version (NIV)
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Images
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