Scene 6: The Visit of the Magi & The Holy Family Escape to Egypt Grace Lutheran Church — 5454 Miller Trunk Hwy, Hermantown
Scripture Matthew 2: 1-15: The Visit of the Magi In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem,asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him;and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. The Escape to Egypt Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.”
Artists’ Statement Our display is essentially 3 sections of the story woven together… they will all be near one another in front of the church
First, you will see the 3 Magi bearing gifts guided by the star—we remember that God guides us on the way as we use our gifts for God’s mission in the world. We can think about how we might especially be called to follow Christ to help our neighbor in need.
Next, the Manger scene with star overhead. Mary and Joseph kneel next to the manger (which is made into a box to hold donations for CHUM). Tonight, you are invited to leave a gift for our neighbors at the manger of Jesus if you are able. Grace Lutheran Church is doing a special collection of items for CHUM during the Advent/Christmas season to support their health care and outreach ministries.
CHUM is a community of faith working together to provide basic necessities, foster stable lives, and organize for a just and compassionate community. They do this by providing emergency shelter, three food shelves and outreach to individuals living on the street, under freeways or in the woods in the Duluth area. Grace Lutheran is one of the 40 churches making up the community of faith that supports CHUM. CHUM currently has a need for the following items:
New underwear, boxers, bras, socks (a dark color)
Deodorant
Tampons
Hand warmers
Chapstick
Candles
Heavy winter coats
Winter boots
Winter hats, gloves, and scarves
Finally, the display includes an angel along with the holy family fleeing to Egypt—we remember that God is with all who face danger and uncertainty in our world. As the holy family fled to another country, we keep all refugees in prayer. We pray for God’s peace and safety for all those who live in fear.
Prayer Lord God, Be with us on the way as we seek to know and worship you. Guide us with the light of Christ into your presence and help us to respond to your love with glad and generous hearts for the sake of our neighbor in need. Be with us when we are fearful, when the dangers and uncertainty in this world surround us. Keep watch over us this and bless us with your peace and a safe place to rest. Amen.
Connect with Grace: All are welcome to join us for worship! Grace Lutheran continues to offer weekly online worship services that are posted on our website and Facebook page each Sunday. Check out our website for weekly faith resources for families to use in your home. Join us for a special online worship service on Christmas Eve with carols & readings to celebrate the birth of Jesus! www.facebook.com/gracehermantown www.gracehermantown.com