Fulfilling Prophecy 

     A few more interesting notes concerning the virgin, Mary. It didn't take long for this journey to take an off ramp. 

     On the eighth day, Mary and Joseph took the baby to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, as it was written in the Law of the Lord (Luke 2:23). Every firstborn male was to be consecrated to the Lord. 

     Continuing in Luke 2, there was a man (Simeon) who was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. In fact, the Spirit had told Simeon that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 

     In the temple courts, Simeon took the child and prayed to the "Sovereign Lord" regarding his promise kept..."for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." 

     Joseph and Mary "marveled at what was said about" their child. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too" (Luke 2:34-35). 

     From this we turn to Matthew chapter 2. While Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus were planning to go to Nazareth, "Magi from the East" had followed a star (no interstates then) having heard that "the king of the Jews" had been born. They came with gifts, asking where to find the new king. When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed. 

Tomorrow: Herod wants Mary's child dead