For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. And those who will walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. Galatians 6:15-16.

Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” John 11:40.

And continuing our 351 Old Testament prophecies, promises of God, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, we come to number 127: Great persons were to visit Him. Psalm 72:10-11: Let the kings of Tarshish and of the islands bring presents; the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts. And let all kings bow down before him, all nations serve him. And, Matthew 2:1-11: Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw 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. Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; for out of you shall come forth a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel.’” Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.” After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Once you begin discovering love that is real, give thanks to Creator God – Father, Son, Spirit, who IS love. Imagine living in Jerusalem under the rule of Herod, and magi from the east arrive to worship the King of the Jews and they are not searching for this king. No wonder Jerusalem was troubled. And because the magi didn’t return after finding Jesus with Mary and Joseph, he had all male children in Bethlehem under the age of two killed. I can imagine the magi knew very well the way of earthly kings. After being led by the star to the place where Jesus was, and seeing the Child in such a humble house with humble people must have stirred something deep and joyous in their own hearts and minds. This is what real love looks like. The beginning of new creation.

***SOURCE OF ALL MERCY – O my God! Source of all mercy! I acknowledge Your sovereign power. While recalling the wasted years that are past, I believe that You, LORD, can in an instant turn this loss to gain. Miserable as I am, yet I firmly believe that You can do all things. Please restore to me the time lost, giving me Your grace both now and in the future, that I may appear before You in “wedding garments.” Amen. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582).***