What I'm trying to figure out is what brought about the change. I know there was a change, but when and why are not clear. Somehow, though, it seems to be tied in with the Magi.
You all know the story, I think, from Matthew 2: the Magi (wise men) show up and throw fear into the whole of Jerusalem with all their talk about the birth of the King of the Jews (Messiah). Everyone's interested to know who and where this new King is, especially the CURRENT King, Herod.
There's another, more subtle concern here, as well. Rome rules much of the known world, including Israel. The idea that the long desired Messiah may actually have arrived is both exciting and frightening. And one big question on the minds of those in leadership? What actions would Rome take if their puppet king were replaced with an ACTUAL king, one chosen by God?
The word is that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. King Herod decides he may need to take some action, but he can't afford to look weak, so he secretly asks the Magi to report back after they check out Bethlehem.
I love this next part.
But not for the reasons you may think.
"They (the Magi), having heard the king, went their way; and behold, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, until it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. They came into the house and saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Opening their treasures, they offered to him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh." (Matthew 2:9-11 WEB)
Did you see it?
When the Magi arrived in Bethlehem, they followed the star to where it stopped, and they went "into the house" to encounter Mary and Jesus.
Wait. What happened to the stable?
At some point, someone made a decision to move Jesus, Joseph, and Mary out of the barn and into the house! I can't help but wonder why. The birth-night invasion of rowdy shepherds? All the subsequent talk in the village? Or did decency assert itself and someone finally realize what a petty (ugly?) thing it was to force a new mother and baby to stay in a cave with the animals?
I don't suppose we'll ever know. All we really know is that at some point after Jesus was born--days? weeks?--wise men came on pilgrimage from the east based on what they saw in the heavens and they worshiped Jesus in Bethlehem.
In a house.
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http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu
READINGS FOR THE COMING WEEK
Epiphany of the Lord (January 6, 2013)
Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
Ephesians 3:1-12
Matthew 2:1-12
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