The magi come searching for Jesus from the east, from Persia, moving west toward the promised land, as Israel did following the Babylonian exile. As they travel, they follow a star, as Israel followed the pillar of cloud and fire from Egypt. They bring gold, frankincense, and myrrh to worship at the place where God had pitched his tent in human flesh. Meanwhile, Herod the king of the Jews reacts with horror at the thought of Jesus’ birth, and tries to destroy the incarnate temple.
Will the true Israel please stand up?
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