Matthew 2:1-12

The Visit of the Wise Men

2In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem,2asking, ‘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.’3When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him;4and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.5They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:6 “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.8Then 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.’9When 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.10When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.11On 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.12And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Psalm 72

Prayer for Guidance and Support for the King

Of Solomon.1 Give the king your justice, O God,   and your righteousness to a king’s son.2 May he judge your people with righteousness,   and your poor with justice.3 May the mountains yield prosperity for the people,   and the hills, in righteousness.4 May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,   give deliverance to the needy,   and crush the oppressor. 5 May he live while the sun endures,   and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.6 May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,   like showers that water the earth.7 In his days may righteousness flourish   and peace abound, until the moon is no more. 10 May the kings of Tarshish and of the isles   render him tribute,may the kings of Sheba and Seba   bring gifts.11 May all kings fall down before him,   all nations give him service. 12 For he delivers the needy when they call,   the poor and those who have no helper.13 He has pity on the weak and the needy,   and saves the lives of the needy.14 From oppression and violence he redeems their life;   and precious is their blood in his sight.