Page 340 - Mystic Pathways through the Bible

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334 Mystic pathways through the bible
shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (KJV Matthew 1:23) When Mary, who was betrothed to Joseph, was pregnant, a Divine angel informed Joseph that Mary was to bring forth the Son of God named Jesus. Thus, the ancient prophecy was to be ful lled.
Before the birth, Joseph and Mary had left Galilee and traveled to Bethlehem, the City of David, because Christ was from the house and family of David. Christ was born there in Bethlehem in the middle of the night in a manger, because the local inn did not have a room available. Surrounding Him were simple shepherds that had come to rejoice at the birth.
Lord Jesus was born when Herod was king. Herod was terribly afraid that the old prophecy (KJV Psalm 2:6 and Zechariah 9:9) might be ful lled in Christ, and that Christ might usurp his kingdom and power. Therefore, he sent three wise men from the East to go to Jerusalem to identify the child. When the three wise men arrived, guided by the Eastern Star, they worshiped Jesus and offered gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. However, they did not return to Herod since they understood his intention, but instead departed for their own country. This event was soon followed by the cruel massacre of children ordered by Herod, and the child Jesus was taken to Egypt for safety.