Matthew 2:1-12

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea during the reign of King Herod, wise men came from the east to Jerusalem. “Where is the King of the Jews who has been born?” they asked. “We saw his star in the east and we've come to worship him.” When King Herod heard about it, he was very disturbed, and the whole of Jerusalem with him. Herod summoned all the chief priests and religious teachers of the people, and asked them where the Messiah was supposed to be born. “Bethlehem in Judea,” they told him, “for that's what the prophet wrote: ‘Bethlehem in the land of Judea, you are certainly not the least important of Judah's leading cities, for a leader will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’” Then Herod called the wise men and met with them in private and found out from them exactly when the star appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem, telling them, “When you get there, search for the child. Once you find him let me know so that I can come and worship him too.” After they had heard what the king had to say they went on their way, and the star which they had seen in the east led them until it stopped right above the place where the child was. When they saw the star they couldn't contain their happiness! They went into the house and saw the child with Mary his mother. They bowed and worshiped him. Then they opened their bags of treasure and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Warned by a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by a different route.