The baby Jesus had been born into quite poverty. Joseph had been a honourable craftsman. But due to a counting of the population ordered by the emperor Augustus he had to go to Bethlehem. There Jesus had been born in a stable because all the hotels in the area had been fully booked.

After the birth of Jesus people from all parts of society came to pay homage to the baby. Have you ever wondered why they did do so. In the Bible it says that angels had announced them the birth, and a special star had risen.

Even scientists from a far away country had seen this special star rise. This is what Matthew wrote about these three men:

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. (Matthew 2, 9 – 11 NIV)

These three men from the far away country gave very valuable gifts to the baby Jesus. God took care of his son. He knew that within short Mary and Joseph would have to escape to Egypt, and such a journey costs a lot of money. But that is a different story........

Today let us rejoice and celebrate the birthday of Jesus. We want to thank God for having sent his Son into the world for the salvation of us, and that He loves us so very much.

I wish you a blessed and wonderful Christmas.